Filing for PR from within Canada

[Cbi24]

I am an American and my wife and daughter are Canadian. We live in the USA but will be moving to Ontario very soon. My wife accepted a job so we need to move within the next few weeks. We obviously want to remain together but don't think we can wait the time necessary to apply for my PR from outside Canada. We have been told to move first and apply from within. Will they let me cross the border?

 

[MilesAway]

The wait time if you apply inland is over 2 years. Most people who apply outland (but remain in Canada throughout the process) is from 6-12 months.

You can cross the border, just say that you are visiting. Then you can apply to extend your status.

 

[screech339]

As you are American, I implore you to apply OUTLAND. Seriously, apply OUTLAND.

Screech339

 

[Cbi24]

Thank you for the advice. I realize applying Outland may be faster but wouldn't I have to remain in the USA until it gets approved. My wife needs to be there asap and I want to keep our family together.

Is it even possible to apply Outland but live in Canada with my wife and daughter?

 

[screech339]

Thank you for the advice. I realize applying Outland may be faster but wouldn't I have to remain in the USA until it gets approved. My wife needs to be there asap and I want to keep our family together.

Is it even possible to apply Outland but live in Canada with my wife and daughter?

YES you can. You can apply outland while living in Canada. A lot of applicants who can do this, applied outland. You can either flagpole around the border to reset the 6 month visit. Or apply for visa extension, explain you are waiting for PR sponsorship.

Screech339

 

[sammystorm19]

Thank you for the advice. I realize applying Outland may be faster but wouldn't I have to remain in the USA until it gets approved. My wife needs to be there asap and I want to keep our family together.

Is it even possible to apply Outland but live in Canada with my wife and daughter?

Yes it is possible to apply Outland and be in Canada...however you can't let the border agents know you plan on "living here" you need to say that you are visiting. As mentioned above you can apply to extend your stay. Outland is WAY faster than inland so apply outland.

 

[Ponga]

No, as mentioned you can be in Canada (as a visitor) while your Outland application is being processed. You would use the Canadian address as your own, which is perfectly acceptable to do, while you are in Canada. All you need to do is extend your visitor status before it expires, which can be done online and is nearly always approved for an American that has a PR application in process.

The posted processing times for an American are a bit confusing. Most Americans, with a straightforward application, are processed in Canada (Ottawa), which is why they complete the process so fast. Only those with `red flags' are typically processed in LA.

Do NOT apply Inland!

 

[Cbi24]

Thank you for the good news.

So...when I show up in a unhaul packed with all of our things what do I say to the customs agent? Is it acceptable to say I am coming in as a visitor and will apply for PR once my wife gets moved in?

 

[Ponga]

Thank you for the good news.

So...when I show up in a unhaul packed with all of our things what do I say to the customs agent? Is it acceptable to say I am coming in as a visitor and will apply for PR once my wife gets moved in?

Showing up at the border with a U-Haul containing YOUR goods, will be a bit of a problem. You are not legally allowed to live in Canada (yet), so you'll need to rethink that part of your plan.

It would be best if you enter Canada separately, IMHO, and are NOT in the U-Haul when it enters Canada.

The most important thing is to be honest with the CBSA. If your wife shows up with a U-Haul containing her goods AND your goods , that's going to raise a red flag. If CBSA goes through the truck (and they will) and they find your items, she could be questioned about those items.


There were a couple of other members asking pretty much this same question here, within the last several months. I'll see if I can find those threads for you to have a look at.

 

[Ponga]

Here's one:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t232334.0.html;msg3359543#msg3359543

And, another one:
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/help-i-think-im-screwed-t202919.0.html
(read the post at the top of the 3rd page, where someone was very lucky)

 

[scylla]

Have your wife drive everything across the border. You should travel separately (e.g. fly). Agreed that going in the truck with your wife could spell trouble.

 

[rhcohen2014]

yes, it's far better to travel separately. either way, it's SUPER important to use the right language when crossing. YOU are not "moving" to canada. Your wife and child are. YOU are VISITING canada until your PR application is approved. bring as much proof of your application with you (either copies of submitted app or all paperwork to be submitted). What is important is for you to have proof of ties to the us until you are approved. this generally means proof of housing and employment in the states. don't make it look or sound like you are leaving everything behind. you want to make it sound you are "helping" your family get settled, plan to "visit" until PR approval, and have something to go back to in the states to tie up upon approval. It's when "moving" and "living" are used by people who don't have the right to do so that causes problems. As long as you know you are "visiting" and have a pr application submitted or close to submitted, they tend to be lenient.

 

[keesio]

Another option is to be honest and request a visitor record even though you have a visa exempt passport. Not too many people ask for one but them seem to grant them to US citizens to allow them to stay in Canada with their families during outland PR while being honest and upfront about everything.

I don't know too much about them so hopefully someone can provide more insight. I believe computergeek knows a lot about this stuff.

 

[rhcohen2014]

Another option is to be honest and request a visitor record even though you have a visa exempt passport. Not too many people ask for one but them seem to grant them to US citizens to allow them to stay in Canada with their families during outland PR while being honest and upfront about everything.

I don't know too much about them so hopefully someone can provide more insight. I believe computergeek knows a lot about this stuff.

no, i wouldn't go around requesting a visitor's record. it's basically asking to be red flagged into their system. let CIC decide if they want to issue one, there's no need to be put on their radar if you are doing things the right way. it's not necessary, since us citizens are allowed to visit up to 6 months. as long as you are honest, use the right language, and acknowledge submitting an application for pr or showing intentions to apply, there won't be any issue getting in.

 

[Cbi24]

Can someone please explain the timeline for PR when applying outland? I thought outland was quicker than inland?
Part 1 takes about 58 days right now. Part two can take much longer, over a year? Can I apply for a work permit while it is being processed? Thanks!