How to stay with Future Wife in Canada during PR process?

[concorde411]

Ok everyone, this is where it gets interesting:

My fiance is getting her divorce and we expect it to be finalized in September (b/c in Quebec it takes approx. 4 months for the paperwork). We have to wait 60 days to get married (b/c we want to do it in a civil court) so that places us at around November. So November is our target date to get married.

So here's the BIG question. I am a US Citizen (I mention b/c USA is a visa exempt country) and I was wondering how I can finally be with my beloved. Is there a way we can be together during the PR process? Meaning, is there a way I can legally stay in Canada with her so that we can be together during the paperwork process and perhaps stay there.

Bottom line: I want to time my stay in Canada to the point that I can stay (of course without working or going to school or taking any advantages as a citizen or legal PR holder has) and stay after (if possible) I am approved for PR status.

Please, has anyone else tried this? Any words of comfort? Can anyone tell me what to do and what not to do in order to be successful? I ask because this is a big risk. In order to do this I'll need to quit my job and end my lease on my appartment. It's a big risk and I accept but I would like to minimize as much as possible.

Thank you everyone!!

Cheers!!!!

 

[iarblue]

Well you need to land at a canadian border and tell them you are going to visit a friend for a while as you have some time off work they will stamp your passport for a 6 month stay if you require more time you must apply for an extension about a month before it expires so you do not come out of status in canada.
Do not tell them you are coming to get married,or stay with your spouse till the PR is done they wont allow this.
And whether thye even give you six months is up to them at customs/immigration

 

[concorde411]

Thanks so much for your response!!!

Quick question, I know nothing in life is guranteed (especially with immigration) but how exactly can a US Citizen get approval for 6 months? What do I tell the immigration/customs when I arrive in Montreal? I mean originally I would say that I'm going to visit my wife, but apparently now that means that they're going to turn me away.

How did you do it? What did everyone else do when they crossed and asked for and got accepted for a 6 month visitor's visa?

Thank you for your help!!

Cheers!!!!

 

[jmni1]

I am also a US citizen and I just crossed the border by land at the slt saint marie crossing in ontario/michigan on wednesday. I came to canada so I could stay with my fiance and get married. When I crossed the border I said that I want to stay for 6 months with my fiance. They told me that I need to get a visitor record so I parked my car and went into the office. Then another immigration officer asked my how long I wanted to stay for. When I told the IO that I was going to live with my fiance in Quebec he asked me if I was planning on getting married. I said yes. Then he asked me if I plan to apply for PR status and I said yes. He asked if I had an application in process so I told him I have not filed yet, but I have paid the fees and had completed backround check and medical.
I think that the fact that I told him the truth and that he knew that I was trying to do everything legally that he had no problem letting me into canada. He gave my a vistor record that is good 6 1/2months. The visitor record comes on a seperate sheet of paper that your passport. He also stamped my passport.
Also I told them that I do not have a job, apartment, in the U.S. The only thing I have is family and the IO did not have a major problem with that. I told him that I would be living with my fiance and that he would be paying the bills. He asked for his address so I gave it to him. I also informed him that I knew that I am not allowed to work in canada as a visitor. I think this is good to tell the IO so they know that you inderstand the law.
The IO also asked me if I had the PR paperwork started and had read the forms. I told him yes I have read over all the papers. (I think he was just being nice and trying to help me out)
So when you cross the border just be honest and come prepared. I would bring a printout of the balance of your checking/savings account so that you can prove that ypu have money to support youresef. Also crossing at night sseems to be a good idea. I crossed at 10pm. I hope this helps you. IF you have any other questions just ask