Sponsorship Approved

[Broliee]

Hey guys, first time posting here. My husband and I are currently living in the United States, that's his citizenship, mine is Canadian. We applied for PR through sponsorship, my sponsorship has thankfully been approved. My question is are we able to return to Canada without his PR being approved?

 

[KarlR]

Hey guys, first time posting here. My husband and I are currently living in the United States, that's his citizenship, mine is Canadian. We applied for PR through sponsorship, my sponsorship has thankfully been approved. My question is are we able to return to Canada without his PR being approved?

Yes of course!there is nothing stopping him from entering as a visator,he will just not be allowed to work untill his PR comes through.

 

[Broliee]

Oh, that's fine. I have a job all lined up for when I get back. I just wasn't sure because of his PR still in process how much trouble they would give us at the border.

 

[Ponga]

Having proof that he has applied for sponsorship and that you have been approved will probably help him when he arrives at the border.

Generally speaking, an American spouse, or partner, entering with his/her sponsor has little difficulty doing this, but it does not guarantee if, or how long, he can remain in Canada as a visitor.

Just make sure that he doesn't bring personal items that would not be appropriate for a person just visiting Canada.

If you plan to travel by air, having a [refundable] return ticket for him would be a good idea, along with proof that he has ties back to the U.S. (home, job, bank account, etc.), just in case he encounters a CBSA officer that's not convinced that he's only coming to visit.

Good luck!

 

[SchnookoLoly]

This link is from a British site, but it's equally applicable to you with what you want to do.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Spousal_Sponsorship-Canada#Can_I_wait_in_Canada_while_my_application_is_being_processed:_Dual_Intent

Read CIC's article on Dual Intent, which is linked in the above wiki article, as well. Both should help prepare you for your trip into Canada!

 

[Broliee]

Thanks so much for that, it's very helpful. I do have another question, which I should have included in my original post but forgot. We sent our application in January, we already had all our fees paid and the medical test done and sent in. However, we had to wait for the background check from the FBI. Finally, after almost 4 months we received it, everything is fine, no criminal background at all which we knew but should we send it off right away or wait for them to request it?

 

[SchnookoLoly]

Now that you have your file and UCI numbers, I'd send it immediately. Make sure you have a copy and pop the original in the post. Include all identifying information for your file. In addition, send an email to CIC with the same identifying information along with a scan of the certificate and say you have just received it and you have mailed it. Also, send the certificate by signed and registered post so you know it arrives there safely.

 

[Broliee]

Thanks so much for your help, I sent it both ways.

How long does the PR process take (on average) once you're approved for sponsorship? I was looking at the processing times for LA and NY and they were like 30-32 months.. Surely that can't right?

 

[SchnookoLoly]

I'm only really up on the processing time for British applications. There should be threads around for US applicants, though, have a look in there. I have heard/read on here that it's under a year for the majority of cases, though. Don't forget that the number CIC posts on their website is the processing time for 80% of applications... so the vast majority go much faster than the quoted time. London is currently quoting 29 months, though they are also dealing with backlog from Islamabad so that's affecting things. Even when they were quoting 11 months (plus the 3-4 for sponsor approval, so 15ish total) most apps through London were being processed in 6ish months for straight-forward non-complex apps. I'd imagine that the US is not too different.

 

[rugrat907]

Thanks so much for your help, I sent it both ways.

How long does the PR process take (on average) once you're approved for sponsorship? I was looking at the processing times for LA and NY and they were like 30-32 months.. Surely that can't right?

New York doesn't do family class anymore, and Los Angeles is only for extreme situations where an interview is required. U.S. applications are now handled in Ottawa, which unfortunately has been a little slow lately. You are probably looking at anywhere from another 6-8 months, based on some of the recent posts I've seen by people coming from the U.S.

 

[Broliee]

So, it's very unlikely it'll be sent to the LA?

 

[rugrat907]

So, it's very unlikely it'll be sent to the LA?

Not unless there's a big question about the validity of your relationship. As long as everything is pretty straight forward, it will be in Ottawa all the way through the process.

 

[Broliee]

Okay, that's great! Thanks so much.

 

[Broliee]

I have another question, haha. In regards to ties to the US, what kinds of things do they accept? My husband just finished his internship and I can get a job in Canada, which is one of the reasons why we are leaving before the PR has been processed. We're actually driving there because the border is literally right there and would be cheaper than flying. He also doesn't own any property. Is this going to cause a lot of trouble at the border?

 

[rugrat907]

I have another question, haha. In regards to ties to the US, what kinds of things do they accept? My husband just finished his internship and I can get a job in Canada, which is one of the reasons why we are leaving before the PR has been processed. We're actually driving there because the border is literally right there and would be cheaper than flying. He also doesn't own any property. Is this going to cause a lot of trouble at the border?

He doesn't need to own property but he should have proof of a residence. Copy of a lease, utility bills, bank account..those all provide proof he's coming as a visitor. Being part way through the process is a big help, but he still may need to provide proof that he will return to the states. And make sure you bring a copy of your sponsorship approval too.