Ohio to Ottawa help

[camie31]

Hello,

After a few months of online searching I am a bit overwhelmed with all the (different) information on the best way to do this.

My partner and I will be married Jan or March of 2015. From what I understand the best way would be out land and then I could go there with him after the wedding while we apply for everything? That taking anywhere from 6-15 months roughly

Should I start anything now, the medical or background check?

Also once I move there with him will I be able to get a work visa or do I have to wait for PR to go through all the way?

I also have 3 leopard geckos.. any issue with getting them over the boarder we plan to drive up after the wedding.

Can I go to and from while waiting on PR?

Moving my things I was told to send it as gifts or you get tariffs placed? Another site said you couldn't move things until you had PR.

and lastly for now i believe are you just considered a dual citizen at the end of all this?

Thank You,
Tiffany

 

[Ponga]

Hi,

Outland, for an American, is definitely recommended as it is typically twice as fast as an Inland application.

You can [possibly] stay with your husband in Canada while the application is being processed, but you would need to maintain your visitor status, which is not difficult to do. You certainly can `visit' him (going back and forth) and shouldn't have any problems doing that, although it's never guaranteed that you won't have a problem at the border. Most Americans, that are not found to be inadmissible, are typically allowed to visit for 6 months, before having to leave and return, or simply request a visitor extension.

It's too soon to start the medical or FBI PCC (police check). The PCC's are only valid for 90 days, so getting them now would be a waste of money. The medical is valid for 1 year, but again, it's too soon for that as well.

You are not eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP), so unless you could find a Canadian employer that is willing to hire you and is willing to complete the LMO (Labour Market Opinion) process, you will have to wait until you have PR to work in Canada. You can, however, work remotely via the internet, or telephone, for an employer outside of Canada without a work permit.

Geckos...no idea.

You cannot move anything to Canada (legally) until you are a PR.

You will NOT be a dual citizen as having Canadian PR does not grant you Canadian Citizenship. That is a completely different `animal' that takes years to navigate through.

Good luck!

 

[camie31]

We are now 56 days away from the wedding!!! I think we have a good grip on the paper work and that end of things. The only thing I am unsure about it changing my name. I leave for Canada from US the day after the wedding. Can I send in all the paperwork explaining that I am in the process of changing my name? I dont want to cause a problem and have it take longer... Thanks for any advice!!

 

[rhcohen2014]

the approval paper will be in the name on the passport of the principal applicant. yes, you can attach a note saying you plan to change your name, though it's highly suggested to change your name in your passport BEFORE sending in your application. otherwise, you risk a delay in processing and/or a mistake on your approval paper - which will cause another delay. All that's needed to change your name in your passport is a marriage certificate. you do not need to change your name on your license or with ss first to do this. the amount of time it takes to get a new passport would probably be less than any delays occurred by changing your name mid-application.

 

[truesmile]

I agree. Some claim to have done it mıd application, no problem. As suggested, I'd do it ahead of time.

Personally, if think yer gonna have that and other stuff to do "after" the wedding and before chargıng for Canada . . . wouldn't you say 'rh'?

Can you bring me a Buckeyes National Championship shirt? That's my team.

 

[rhcohen2014]

I agree. Some claim to have done it mıd application, no problem. As suggested, I'd do it ahead of time.

Personally, if think yer gonna have that and other stuff to do "after" the wedding and before chargıng for Canada . . . wouldn't you say 'rh'?

ugh! tell me about it. changing my name is the least of my concerns now that i'm here. right now i'm navigating car insurance in ontario. it is NOT pretty or fun!!!!!!!!!!!!

actually getting my pr card and changing my name is a battle i'm willing to not fight right now.

 

[camie31]

Thanks so much!!

I know going the day after is a bit fast but his family will all be driving back that day so its just easier to go with them and take my reptiles then try to fly.

From everyone I have talked to it shouldn't be a problem going across the boarder if we explain what we are doing. Is it better to pay the fees first even though we wont be sending the application yet?

We will just have to wait about a week or so on the license and then if I send my passport I believe I can have it expedited in 3 weeks.

Oh also I was told to be ready to show proof of the relationship?? Should I include some pages of photographs, plane tickets, cards and such in our packet when we send?

Thanks again!!