Crossing the border by car, worried about what to tell CBSA officers

[SuiGeneris]

Okay, so I'm engaged, getting legally married this upcoming June (no wedding, we can't afford it now). I'm from Ontario, Canada, driving to Pittsburgh PA to marry my guy and visit for a month or less.

Now, I need to bring my application, I want to work on the app while I'm there, and I need my guy to sign stuff.

My question is, how do I approach CBSA? I'm worried about downplaying the situation, and saying I'm just visiting my boyfriend, when in reality, I'll have my trunk filled with 200 papers, lol, of relationship evidence etc, for spousal sponsorship.

Last time I drove to Pitt they made me go to secondary, so I'm afraid of telling them I'm just visiting my boyfriend, meanwhile they check my car and see that I'm actually planning to get married, etc.

Should I be honest and straightforwardly tell them that I'm going to visit my partner and to get legally married to him, and that I'm in the process of sponsoring him to Canada?

Please help, little nervous about it.

 

[Johninsask]

You mean you're concerned about what to say to the US border agents, right?
Just answer their questions honestly, but don't volunteer information that they do not ask for unless omitting such would make you legally inadmissible. If they ask why you're heading to the US, tell them it's to see your BF. They'll likely ask who he is and where he lives, how you met and they may ask about your ties to Canada (e.g. what your job is, etc). You might bring a copy of your current lease and maybe even a few recent pay receipts... I'm sure others can better advise about that.

I would think that your plans to sponsor him for immigration to Canada would be a fairly strong indicator that you will not overstay in the USA, at any rate. But I don't think that would come up unless you're hauled in for a secondary.

Above all, don't worry. It'll go fine. You'll see. Good luck!

 

[SuiGeneris]

Yes, that's what I meant! Haha, brainfart.

Thank you for that response. Alright, I got it. Appreciate it!