Buffy2323 said:
Ralph, I will tell you what others told me about doing this, be very careful and do not bring very many personal belongings. Also, make sure you have proof of return to your home country (a lease, return flight, utilities in your name, proof of job leave, etc.) You are not technically allowed to "move" to Canada while you wait but visa exempt countries can visit for up to 6 months but then are expected to leave again unless you get papers in time to land.
I have actually done the "move" already. I came in late July and i had no proof of returning because I gave up my job and my lease expired at the end of July so it was a risk for me. My son is starting school here next week. We just got our passport request so we will be fine for the 6 months (at least I HOPE we will) but if we don't get it in 6 months we have a plan to return back to my parents in the States.
Anyway, just be aware that if you tell them you are coming to wait out the COPR they could reject you from entering Canada. It depends how much of a risk taker you are, I felt it was worth it financially and emotionally to make the move sooner rather than later.
I hope this helps, if you want further info. that I received feel free to PM me. Good luck!!
keesio said:
The best way to do this is to get a Visitor Record. I don't know if there is a site on CIC that covers it for outland applicants. But it is described in the link below:
us2canada.com/visitor_record.html
But many don't bother with it. For the US applications, It's pretty common. If you check the US Outland thread and the CPP-Ottawa thread, you'll see many people on those threads who have joined their spouse/partner and are waiting it out while their outland PR is being processed. And I'd say that only a small handful actually got the Visitor Record. just keep in mind what Buffy said. They want to know that you plan on leaving. Their issue is that you will come and stay and never leave, even if PR is not approved. Hence why proof that your stay is temporary is important, even if you plan on staying for awhile. A return ticket (if flying) seems to be the strongest proof they look for.
Thanks guys, both, for your answers.
Buffy, did you cross the border without your spouse/sponsor? I read this on the forums of immigration.ca:
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When a foreign national is trying to enter Canada alone as a temporary resident, and they have a significant relationship (or have applied for permanent status) in Canada, they are typically refused entry. The border official has no way to verify that the partner in Canada actually still intends to proceed with sponsorship, or that the foreign national even intends to be with the Canadian partner once being allowed to enter the country. Given the fact that they (CIC) easily lose track of FNs once they're admitted, they want to keep close tabs on those who have reason to overstay. The other part is that there is no guarantee that a permanent resident application will be approved, so they want to know (as best as is possible) that the FN will actually leave Canada if the application is refused - or the sponsor withdraws. They don't have to believe us - but they will normally take the word of the accompanying Canadian citizen and document the FN partner with status. Normally, with the Canadian partner carrying proof of the qualifying relationship, proof of a PR application in process (or intent to submit one, like proof of receipt of fees), and proof of financial support (copy of sponsor's employment letter that is submitted with the PR ap is sufficient), you (the foreign national) are exempted from having to prove sufficient ties to home.
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Keesio, thanks for pointing me to the Visitor Record. From what I understand you have to actively apply for it by going to the Immigration Office when entering Canada with your sponsor/partner - a Visitor Record seems to be nothing more than a documented adjustment to the restrictions of your Visa. So since I am Tourist Visa exempt (Europe), I could apply for it in case we fear the 6 months would not be sufficient. But it seems more plausible to apply for it only after you have entered the country and it turns out that we may not receive the Decision in time, before having to leave the country again.
Either way, I'm reading mixed messages, some say it's a risk, other say it is very doable. There does not seem to be an official CIC documented route to take to wait it out in Canada. So I am still not sure if I would want to take this route.
;D
