Making sure customs and immigration let us in to Canada

[starfire2003]

Hi, urgent question needing an answer please! We are in transit from Australia to Vancouver. We are moving to canada. I am canadian, dh has applied for spousal pr. My sponsership bit has been approved so now waiting on his bit.

We are worried about what to say to immigration at the border as we have a one way ticket and hope to get his pr before visitors visa runs out so we don't have to go back to Aus. we have a 2yr old who has dual citizenship now.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[canadianwoman]

Is he an Australian citizen? If so, he will most likely be let in. Many forum members have been let in to wait while the PR visa was being processed. He must be clear that he knows he is just visiting Canada, though, and not moving here permanently. Of course, that is his intention, but if the PR visa application is denied (unlikely) he must leave Canada.
People in your situation just bring proof of the PR application with them when they are entering Canada. You should have the receipt at least, and maybe a copy of the application if you kept one. If you have already received the sponsorship approval letter, bring that too. When you get to the border agent, just say you have applied to sponsor your husband, have been approved as a sponsor (if you have been by then), have proof of the application, that your husband is just going to visit while waiting for the application to be processed, and that he knows he will have to leave if denied.

 

[starfire2003]

Thank you very much. Feeling better about it now.

We'll bring all the documents you've mentioned and also a print out a copy of our bank statement showing we have enough funds to live off.

My husband is studying via correspondence through a university in Australia. Is it worth mentioning this to customs on arrival in Canada?

Thanks

 

[canadianwoman]

Yes, if the border agent asks for more proof of his ties to Australia.

 

[keesio]

My wife is here visiting me while we wait. She came armed with a lot of documents (Spousal approval letter, proof of string ties to the US like current utility bills, auto insurance payment, etc). But all the official asked her for was a return ticket. Once she showed her return ticket of less than 6 months, they didn't ask for anything else. Since you don't have a return ticket, just come prepared with as much proof that you are a visitor as you can.

 

[blueangel371115]

My wife is here visiting me while we wait. She came armed with a lot of documents (Spousal approval letter, proof of string ties to the US like current utility bills, auto insurance payment, etc). But all the official asked her for was a return ticket. Once she showed her return ticket of less than 6 months, they didn't ask for anything else. Since you don't have a return ticket, just come prepared with as much proof that you are a visitor as you can.

I am worried as I don't have a ton of things tying me to the US. Just a seasonal job and my parents. Plus my husband is in Canada. I've already explained this intent to CBSA officers upon questioning and they didn't flinch before but I worry. Should I relax? In a month I'm headed to Canada and I'm nervous. I have a travel history of one month stays up till now. Plus I go home monthly to fill medication.

 

[keesio]

I am worried as I don't have a ton of things tying me to the US. Just a seasonal job and my parents. Plus my husband is in Canada. I've already explained this intent to CBSA officers upon questioning and they didn't flinch before but I worry. Should I relax? In a month I'm headed to Canada and I'm nervous. I have a travel history of one month stays up till now. Plus I go home monthly to fill medication.

Actually, the fact that you have a history of one month stays is good. You have proof that you have come to Canada several times before and actually left each of those times. If they start questioning you, I'd bring that up.

 

[blueangel371115]

Should I mention my acceptance letter to the school in Ontario or would that complicate things? It's well known at the border already my intent through family class for pr. I've already explained this intent to CBSA officers upon questioning and they know we are aware of the PR process and my rights in Canada.