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Beehivefive

Star Member
May 30, 2013
97
0
I will be sponsoring my wife's Canadian PR and was wondering: Once the application is approved for processing, can we move to Canada and wait there for it to be completed? My wife, of course, would not be able to work, but I would like to know if we would be able to simply be there while the PR app is in process.

Thanks!
 
She shouldn't have any trouble entering Canada as a visitor (stamp is good for six months). With an outland application filed from the US, she's as free to enter and exit Canada as any other US citizen. There's never a guarantee, but most Americans don't encounter any difficulty at the border. I'd make sure to use the language that she's "visiting" you, not residing with you. We do know of another couple like us (him Canadian military, her a US citizen) who attempted to enter Canada together, and the wife was denied entry at the border. The agent (who was probably either a jerk or having a bad day) said he knew what she was doing, that she was illegally moving to Canada as a visitor.

I had no issues at the border when we drove in, but it does happen.
 
Beehivefive - it also helps if you can provide proof that she plans on returning to the US. For example, if flying into Canada having a return ticket to the US already purchased. Also do not have your wife bring tons of stuff with her. That makes it look like she plans on staying in Canada for a long time. A few bags of clothes and misc is fine.
 
keesio said:
Beehivefive - it also helps if you can provide proof that she plans on returning to the US. For example, if flying into Canada having a return ticket to the US already purchased. Also do not have your wife bring tons of stuff with her. That makes it look like she plans on staying in Canada for a long time. A few bags of clothes and misc is fine.

Agreed! Having a return ticket is a big thing for immigration officers. And QuebecOkie is right make sure you say she is visiting. So as long as you show she's just visiting then you will be ok. My husband is an American citizen and has been here since September we just recently received an approval for an extension of stay. So don't worry she can definitely be here during the process.