Outland PR application for American citizen applicant - when/how do I cross the border?

[brendobones]

Hello!

We submitted our application our June 29 and are still waiting for our AOR. As an American citizen, I understand that I do not need a TRV or eTA to enter Canada for a maximum 6 month stay. I would like to cross the border as soon as possible and live with my spouse while our PR application is processing, especially with this new ability to receive an OWP for outland spousal sponsored applicants. Any personal anecdotes, advice and/or conventional wisdom on when to enter Canada-- for example, can I enter as a visitor at any time (even before we get our AOR) and just declare that I'm staying for 6 months? Will they know I have a PR app in progress, deem it dual intent and refuse me at the border? Am I overthinking it?

I'm finding a lot of info out there, but mostly related to dual intent as it pertains to TRVs. Thank you so much for the help, and I wish all of you so much luck in your own processes!

 

[armoured]

Hello!

We submitted our application our June 29 and are still waiting for our AOR. As an American citizen, I understand that I do not need a TRV or eTA to enter Canada for a maximum 6 month stay. I would like to cross the border as soon as possible and live with my spouse while our PR application is processing, especially with this new ability to receive an OWP for outland spousal sponsored applicants. Any personal anecdotes, advice and/or conventional wisdom on when to enter Canada-- for example, can I enter as a visitor at any time (even before we get our AOR) and just declare that I'm staying for 6 months? Will they know I have a PR app in progress, deem it dual intent and refuse me at the border? Am I overthinking it?

I'm finding a lot of info out there, but mostly related to dual intent as it pertains to TRVs. Thank you so much for the help, and I wish all of you so much luck in your own processes!

Basically you can enter at any time.
-Best (in my opinion) to mention you are just visiting for now and not to show up with all of your belongings. If asked, you can give some vague answer about reasons you'll need to go back. It's ok to change mind later (ie remain if circumstances allow).
-Don't deny you have a PR app in process if asked.
-They do not refuse entry 'based on' dual intent. They can - basically - if they think your reason for entry is inconsistent with stated, which in this context roughly means you do not intend to leave at all.
-Anecdotally as the process is new - seems best to apply for the OWP after you get the AOR. I don't think anyone could say if you'd need anything more to show you're in Canada.