Spouse is Canadian, I am American - Applying for PR to move to BC - need some opinions, help

[codase42]

Hello all,

This is my first post, but I have spent quite a bit of time reading through threads and appreciate the help everyone provide here. Thank you.

Here is my scenario:

My spouse is a Canadian Citizen. We married just over 9 years ago and have two kids. We've got a long-standing and well-proven relationship as far as CIC would be concerned. We currently live in the US and are applying to the Family Class (outland). Our kid's applications for citizenship certificates are about to be sent, and we plan to send the PR paperwork in a few weeks. I have some specific questions that I hope someone could provide feedback:

1. My biggest concern is an old (10+ years) DUI stop I have on my "rap sheet" from the FBI. I eventually pled down to Reckless Driving, but the initial DUI arrest is on the rap sheet. Given the age and the fact that I have been to Canada numerous times for work over the years with no issue, I don't anticipate this being a problem. Am I correct to assume this?
2. The other concern I have on the "rap sheet" is that there is a data error that erroneously states on one page that my birthday is 1971 when it is actually 1977. It also says on one page that I was born in Mexico. The front page clearly states my DOB and birth location, so it is clearly an error. Should I be concerned about this?
3. We are applying in October with a goal of moving up at some point in the summer. My wife is a teacher, so jobs will not start to come open for the next school year until well after we submit my PR application. This complicates our ability to show her ability to provide financial support. My current plan is to explain that she will be applying for jobs when the time comes. Any thoughts on this approach? Other ideas?
4. How to others show intent to live there when you don't know when your PR will be approved and when you can move? Once my PR is hopefully approved, we'd start looking for a place to live.

These are our only remaining questions before submitting. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[scylla]

Hello all,

This is my first post, but I have spent quite a bit of time reading through threads and appreciate the help everyone provide here. Thank you.

Here is my scenario:

My spouse is a Canadian Citizen. We married just over 9 years ago and have two kids. We've got a long-standing and well-proven relationship as far as CIC would be concerned. We currently live in the US and are applying to the Family Class (outland). Our kid's applications for citizenship certificates are about to be sent, and we plan to send the PR paperwork in a few weeks. I have some specific questions that I hope someone could provide feedback:

1. My biggest concern is an old (10+ years) DUI stop I have on my "rap sheet" from the FBI. I eventually pled down to Reckless Driving, but the initial DUI arrest is on the rap sheet. Given the age and the fact that I have been to Canada numerous times for work over the years with no issue, I don't anticipate this being a problem. Am I correct to assume this?
2. The other concern I have on the "rap sheet" is that there is a data error that erroneously states on one page that my birthday is 1971 when it is actually 1977. It also says on one page that I was born in Mexico. The front page clearly states my DOB and birth location, so it is clearly an error. Should I be concerned about this?
3. We are applying in October with a goal of moving up at some point in the summer. My wife is a teacher, so jobs will not start to come open for the next school year until well after we submit my PR application. This complicates our ability to show her ability to provide financial support. My current plan is to explain that she will be applying for jobs when the time comes. Any thoughts on this approach? Other ideas?
4. How to others show intent to live there when you don't know when your PR will be approved and when you can move? Once my PR is hopefully approved, we'd start looking for a place to live.

These are our only remaining questions before submitting. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

1. You should be fine since you only have one conviction and it was over 10 years ago. The fact you have entered Canada numeroius times for work doesn't guarantee the application process will be smooth. However you should not have to go through the rehab process because of the age of the conviction. Make sure you declare everything in your application.
2. Can't comment on this.
3. Your PR application most likely will not be approved by the time you move. You can still move however you won't qualify to work (and most likely won't qualify for health care, etc.) until your PR application is finalized. Get your kids' citizenship certificate applications in asap. These are taking a while to process right now and they most likely won't qualify for health care coverage, etc. until they have them. You want to give yourselves some room on this. In terms of showing financial support, show current proof of employment / pay stubs and/or tax return statements. You can also include a bank statement to show savings to support yourselves and include a letter stating your wife plans to continue working as a teacher in Canada once you move there. If your wife isn't already certified to teach in Canada, make sure she looks into this now to understand what is required.
4. You need to figure out a way to provide evidence of this. Suggest you move over to the Family Sponsorship section of the forum and read through the posts on this topic there. (You really should be posting all of your questions in that part of the forum rather than here). Has your wife started looking for jobs? Does she have any property or assets there already? Where will you live when you first arrive? If with family, then provide a letter from them confirming they are going to house you when you first arrive. Do you plan to work? Have you started reaching out to employers in Canada? This is the sort of stuff you will want to show.

 

[codase42]

Scylla,

Thanks for the thorough response. I will cross-post to the family class sponsorship board. I chose this since we were coming from the US.

Best Regards.