Crossing the border to get married

[sbwv09]

Hi everyone! I plan on applying for PR as soon as possible (waiting for docs). My fiance and I are getting married at Toronto City Hall over my spring break (I'm a schoolteacher).

I know I SHOULDN'T tell them I'm getting married, right? My parents are coming up for it and I told them to say they're going on a vacation to TO and Niagara (which is true, minus the wedding) I should say I'm just going for a visit for the week (I will only be staying a week, this is true). I know to bring proof of the fact that I am currently working in the US. My wedding dress is simple but it does look like a wedding dress.. they have never looked in my car but you never know. The dress will be buried at the bottom of my suitcase, which is all I plan to bring. Has anyone done this before? What is your advice? What about coming back over? Should I mention I was married during my stay?

I've entered Canada numerous times since our engagement, telling them each time I am visiting my fiance. I have stayed for up to three months and never got any trouble I'm still nervous about this visit though!

 

[fallenstar831]

The strongest word of advice I can give to anyone ever... dont lie. Ever. Just don't do it.

When my husband (the fiance) came over to get married he told them at customs that he was here for a visit with his fiance. They asked a few questions, marriage came up, so he told them we were getting married. They said congrats, stamped his passport and sent him on his way.

Just make sure you have supporting docs to prove you are going back - they don't care if you get married and immigrate. Their concern is that you do it all legally.

 

[sbwv09]

Thanks for the reply! I don't like the idea of misleading people either.. I was just nervous because I had heard of a IO telling someone they wouldn't let them in if they thought they were getting married. I think that person was crossing with the intent to stay for good, apply inland, etc so it may have been different. Thanks!

 

[fallenstar831]

There are some coutries that require Visa's annd stuff to get married. I know if you go to the UK you have to have a special Visa... But you should be fine!

Congratulations!

 

[frenchrock]

The strongest word of advice I can give to anyone ever... dont lie. Ever. Just don't do it.

When my husband (the fiance) came over to get married he told them at customs that he was here for a visit with his fiance. They asked a few questions, marriage came up, so he told them we were getting married. They said congrats, stamped his passport and sent him on his way.

Just make sure you have supporting docs to prove you are going back - they don't care if you get married and immigrate. Their concern is that you do it all legally.

...I just noticed today's date for your landing...congratulations!!!!

 

[BeShoo]

As for crossing back over, I don't think there's any issue with telling them you got married. They won't really care unless you're bringing your new husband to the U.S. or unless you received A LOT of expernsive wedding gifts that you owe duty on.

What could be an issue is if your husband goes to visit you in the U.S., because U.S. immigration may be nervous that he will remain there illegally. A friend in Ohio married a woman in Toronto. She couldn't visit him in the U.S. for 2 years after the wedding, so he had to visit her in Canada. I'm not sure of the full circumstances of that, but her case was finally processed and she is now free to go to either country.

 

[fallenstar831]

...I just noticed today's date for your landing...congratulations!!!!

Thanks! Everything went smooth. We got SIN numbers and drivers licence's settled. Very exciting.

 

[sbwv09]

Congrats on landing, fallenstar, and thanks for the info, everyone! I hope he doesn't get trouble crossing over as my spouse... he will be working and living in Toronto and will bring proof of that, return ticket, etc.. has anyone else had experience with this?

 

[frenchrock]

Congrats on landing, fallenstar, and thanks for the info, everyone! I hope he doesn't get trouble crossing over as my spouse... he will be working and living in Toronto and will bring proof of that, return ticket, etc.. has anyone else had experience with this?

I crossed the border to get married at Ottawa City Hall. I live in northern NY, wife in Ottawa. Though I didn't bring a suit or anything with me, since I bought it in Canada and left it there, there was still no issue.

I cross on a weekly basis to visit...one weekend I was the boyfriend, the next I was the husband. They congratulated me at US and Canadian ports of entry once they were made aware, before and after. Was not a problem. Hope that eases your mind a bit. Good luck to you, and congrats on the wedding plans.

 

[moo48]

My husband lives in Hamilton and I'm in Buffalo. We cross every week, and it seems to have gotten easier since the wedding. There've been less questions. In this area, it seems they are very used to seeing cross-border romances. They usually just ask me how long we've been married, and who's moving where. If you're crossing in the Buffalo/Niagara area, you shouldn't have any problems. Congrats!

 

[dpenabill]

The main thing is to be upfront about what you are doing . . . assuming that what you are doing complies of course.

But they really are (usually, not always) pretty accomodating if you are honest and not playing games, and not really "moving" across the border until you have status to do so.