Outland app filed - Can I visit my wife?

[dysonjonathan]

Hello all!

My wife and I have filed our application (she is the Canadian, I am a Brit living in the US) at last. Given that it will take 7-10 months (hopefully less!!) for me to get my PR am I allowed to visit her in the meantime?

I know I can be there for up to 6 months without a Visa, but my questions is - can I extend my stay beyond that to coincide with me receiving my PR and will they even allow that?

How should I explain things at the border? Will they allow me in knowing that I am married to a Canadian and have paperwork in the pipeline?

The bottom line is, rather than stay in the US for another 7-10 months, I would rather be with my wife in Canada, even if it means not working. I'm trying to figure out if this is even feasable.

Thanks for your input!!

 

[parker24]

Hello all!

My wife and I have filed our application (she is the Canadian, I am a Brit living in the US) at last. Given that it will take 7-10 months (hopefully less!!) for me to get my PR am I allowed to visit her in the meantime?

I know I can be there for up to 6 months without a Visa, but my questions is - can I extend my stay beyond that to coincide with me receiving my PR and will they even allow that?

How should I explain things at the border? Will they allow me in knowing that I am married to a Canadian and have paperwork in the pipeline?

The bottom line is, rather than stay in the US for another 7-10 months, I would rather be with my wife in Canada, even if it means not working. I'm trying to figure out if this is even feasable.

Thanks for your input!!

Yes, you can! You are visa-exempt. That means you will more than likely be waved in. Be sure to bring a copy of the application and receipt for the fees you paid. If they just wave you in (so to speak) you will be given 6 months. In month 5, you can apply for an extension online

Good luck!

 

[Creampop]

Yes you can extend your stay...

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5551ETOC.asp

Your best bet is to have your wife met you and cross the border with you, have your marriage certificate, a copy of the receipt that you paid all PR fee's and ask for a visitor's record take whatever the IO will give you atleast it will be 6 months but he can give you what he wants. this is no guarantee as each IO is different but this is what I did and I was given an 8 month VR.

 

[dysonjonathan]

Thanks Parker24 and Creampop. Good to know.

Much appreciated!