Tourist Visa while waiting for Permant Resident Card

[FloridaNative]

Hi Everyone!

Can anyone tell me if we are able to enter into Canada on a tourist Visa while we are waiting on Perm Resident Card? My husband in in Ottawa and I wanted to drive our animals( 2 cats 1 dog) up to our new home, but I know I can not move for good until Perm resident card arrives. I am scared to drive up with the animals if there is a chance I could get refused entry. It seems like if I have an application in the system and I am with my husband it would be OK. I just do not want to take any risks?

Any suggestions

 

[canadianwoman]

If you are an American citizen you do not need a visitor visa to visit Canada. It's true that if you arrive at the border with your pets and a lot of household belongings, you may be refused entry. Your husband is allowed to bring his pets and household items with him when he returns to Canada, though. You could cross the border at a different place while he brings your things up. State you are coming to visit for a couple of months; definitely don't state you are moving to Canada.
You might have no problem getting over the border even with your pets if you have plenty of proof that you are just visiting and will be returning to the USA. Take things like a letter from your employer giving you 2 weeks off and stating that you are expected back, an apartment lease or mortgage from the States, proof of enrollment in classes in the States, etc.

 

[rjessome]

Make sure that you've read the following guidelines about bringing your pets as well.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/imp/petani/petanie.shtml

 

[FloridaNative]

Thank you both Very much~

I have all their Vaccine paperwork ready to go. We are still waiting on the application acceptance letter. We submitted an outland app on December 12 2010. So I understand it will take sometime.

Just trying to stay patient and plan for move

Good Luck to all!