Marriage in canada

[Anony.]

I am a British citizen living in Scotland my partner is a Canadian citizen and lives in Canada, we want to get married in Toronto this year. I intend to travel to Canada for 2 weeks in which time we will get married then I will travel back to the UK and he will stay in Canada until we process our spouse visa to the UK. My question is, is it really as easy as it seems.im allowed to just go and get married in Canada. We have had it hard from the UK customs, so want to get it right. Is an eTA sufficient to be allowed freedom enter and to get married? I read that eTA is JUST authorization to travel, NOT entry to the country, so what are the specific criteria?what can I do to guarantee I get in?Do i have to have a set amount of money for example, what do they deem sufficient etc, the things they don't tell us..? Just want to know our dreams won't be crushed yet again.
Thanks for reading

 

[russ6970]

Yes you need ETA to get into Canada. Once (if) you get in, you are free to get married. Are you planning to live in the UK or Canada? I am from Scotland too btw, living in Newfoundland.

 

[Anony.]

We are planning to live in the UK in the future, i will stay for 2 weeks. Oh, it's the "if" that scares me. What guarantees entry is granted? Do they just turn people away? Can I apply somehow beforehand?? Can't stand that hovering over us again, the uncertainty :/
Customs at glasgow turned him away. Twice.

 

[russ6970]

Unfortunately, you will never get a cast iron guarantee that anybody is going to get in from another country. Did he mention to customs in Glasgow that he was over to get married? If he did, or even if he mentioned you were engaged, that raises a big red flag that he could just stay. Same goes for the other way around. Don't offer anything, if they don't ask.
Another thing, if you are travelling, don't go to Toronto. Go to a smaller airport like Halifax or St Johns Newfoundland, as the customs people do seem to be a bit more friendly. There are direct flights to both with Westjet. Every time I have traveled through Toronto I have been grilled and luggage search with a fine tooth comb. Newfoundland customs is the most friendliest I have ever come across. Still got searched, but they done it with a smile! I would say make sure you have evidence that ties you to the UK, like job, property, family etc on hand just in case they ask. You don't really need it but given you circumstances, you may need it to convince them you are not just going to stay.

 

[Anony.]

He didn't come to the UK to get married, he just came to visit.yeah they said they doubted his intention to leave. I definitely intend to leave after we get married I have to return to my children and also my job. Will that be enough to convince them I don't intend to stay? Is there no way to apply beforehand for entry clearance? as the stress of not knowing is just too much.

 

[russ6970]

Unfortunately there is no way to gain entry clearance beforehand. Just be prepared. Maybe get a signed letter from your boss. That would certainly help. Who are you leaving kids with?

 

[Anony.]

My kids will stay for a week with their dad and a week with my mother. What does the letter need to say? That I'm employed and date expected back to work? That sort of thing? I obviously can't go and leave my children here so surely that helps?

 

[russ6970]

Yes the letter should say just that. Leave granted, date expected back. and signed. Dies your partner have children? Having children for you is a really good thing, as you say you can't leave them. Do you and their father have joint custody, or does he just have some access rights. Sorry to pry, but these things may be important if asked.

 

[Anony.]

My partner has a son but he doesn't have access. My kids father and i share them, i take care of them full time and he sees them when he can (as he works shifts) nothing official or through court, we get on well and make our own arrangements. He is bio father to my youngest so on her birth certificate (therefore has PR automatically) but he takes both kids as his own.

 

[russ6970]

My partner has a son but he doesn't have access. My kids father and i share them, i take care of them full time and he sees them when he can (as he works shifts) nothing official or through court, we get on well and make our own arrangements. He is bio father to my youngest so on her birth certificate (therefore has PR automatically) but he takes both kids as his own.

It would probably good if you could get something from your kids father in the uk saying he can only look after them for a period of time because of his work, just in case. It shouldn't be needed and dont offer it unless asked. Just an email or something.

 

[Anony.]

So if I can convince them I have to leave after the two weeks then they will let me in?

 

[russ6970]

Yes. Are you going to fly to toronto or a smaller airport. You may not need any proof, but you never know with customs.