IMM5540 - Sponsor Question 'have you resided in countries other than Canada'

[ted1966]

Hi canuck_in_uk

I would agree with you, it would be a waste of financial resources to pay a lawyer for an answer to a single question or to get advice regarding my particular situation. Since I am paying for an hour, I may as well have him go through the application I've spent months preparing. Perhaps he may spot something I've neglected to complete. If anything though, I'll probably be sending in more than what's necessary. Either way, I'll be sure to get my hours worth out of him.

It's really frustrating being an "intending immigrant" in the US system (and I'm sure anywhere else). I could walk to the border now with paperwork to prove I have a life here in Canada, try to convince the officer I have no wish to live or stay in the US illegally. For all I know, the officer may accept me as a visitor and my problem checking yes or no on my application will be solved, OR if I get the wrong CBP officer having a bad day, I could make things far worse than they are now. It's solely up to the discretion of the officer I end up talking to, and it scares the **** out of me not knowing if I will be grilled, searched, fingerprinted (again) and this time ordered removed, possibly with a 5 or 10 year ban.

Taffy7, I'll let you know his opinion after the appointment on Tuesday. Thanks again for everyone's advice.

 

[taffy7]

Question 17 of which form??

Sorry all didnt have my paper work in front of me .. on the form imm1344 #17 .. are you the subject of a report to inadmissability ? the question is no .... yes you are all right , it pertains to Canada . Application to sponsor ...

 

[SenoritaBella]

To get your money's worth, be very organized. Go through your entire application and write down all the questions you want to ask including this "inadmissibility" one. Then jot down answers.

I don't know about US immigration laws but if it's anything like Canada's, I would interpret a US refusal for "being an intending immigrant", to mean they were not satisfied that your stay was temporary in nature and that you would leave at the end of your visit. I read your original post, and if you were a US citizen with similar profile, you may have had a hard time too or been denied entry to Canada. Here's why:

1. unemployed for several months - did you have proof of adequate funds with you? Credit cards don't count - they like to see cash and if possible a recent bank account balance.
2. you must always demonstrate stronger ties to your home country(Canada) when visiting - long term employment is such proof.
3. family in the US - made your ties to the US stronger instead.
4. you don't say, but assuming you are single, it didn't work in your favor. If you had a spouse/partner living in Canada, it would help show stronger tiles to Canada.
5. US sponsorship application - I don't know if the US allows dual intent. Even if they do, you must satisfy an officer that you will leave at the end of your stay(for the visitor application).
6. concern that you may engage in unauthorized work, especially if you didn't have proof of adequate funds.

Sure, it is a pain having to explain this refusal each time you apply for visas, but must be done. I believe you can overcome the refusal though. I know as a Canadian citizen you can show up at the border and take your chance but have you looked into whether you can apply for a visitor record(whatever the US calls theirs) in a US embassy in Canada? This way, you will know the outcome in advance before spending lots of money. Hope all works out well for you.

Hi canuck_in_uk

I would agree with you, it would be a waste of financial resources to pay a lawyer for an answer to a single question or to get advice regarding my particular situation. Since I am paying for an hour, I may as well have him go through the application I've spent months preparing. Perhaps he may spot something I've neglected to complete. If anything though, I'll probably be sending in more than what's necessary. Either way, I'll be sure to get my hours worth out of him.

It's really frustrating being an "intending immigrant" in the US system (and I'm sure anywhere else). I could walk to the border now with paperwork to prove I have a life here in Canada, try to convince the officer I have no wish to live or stay in the US illegally. For all I know, the officer may accept me as a visitor and my problem checking yes or no on my application will be solved, OR if I get the wrong CBP officer having a bad day, I could make things far worse than they are now. It's solely up to the discretion of the officer I end up talking to, and it scares the **** out of me not knowing if I will be grilled, searched, fingerprinted (again) and this time ordered removed, possibly with a 5 or 10 year ban.

Taffy7, I'll let you know his opinion after the appointment on Tuesday. Thanks again for everyone's advice.