Travel outside Canada while Outland application in progress

[zajirima]

Hi. My wife is on visitor status in Canada from U.S. and we filed for PR using the Outland process. Can she travel back and forth from Canada and U.S. without any issues? What are the risks? I suppose when coming back to Canada they could deny her entry on the basis that her intent is to stay in Canada permanently and she currently has no basis to do so.

 

[vinlander]

Re: Travel outside Canada during Outland application in progress

She is from USA (visa exempt) and applying outland; I don't think there would be any risk unless she crosses the border with a trailer full of her belongings showing a clear intent of not going back.

 

[zajirima]

Re: Travel outside Canada during Outland application in progress

Technically, they could deny her entry on this dual intent basis. Unless dual intent is allowed in this situation??

 

[Sweden]

Dual intent is allowed in Canada - contrary to the US. So if she travels with the proofs that she has applied for PR, (letter of approval, or fee receipt for example), and she is clear that she is "visiting" you and not "living" in Canada, it should minimize the risk.... quite a few people do it, and some get into troubles, but most people are let in.
Good luck,
Sweden

 

[canadianwoman]

Usually people in this situation don't have any trouble getting back into Canada. She should have proof with her when she crosses the border that she has applied for the PR visa, and that you have been approved as her sponsor. She should still be clear that she is just 'visiting' until she gets the PR visa, when talking with the border agents.

 

[computergeek]

Get a Nexus Card - that's the fastest and least stressful way to cross the border.

$50, good for 5 years, provides expedited entry into the US and Canada as well as the opportunity to use special security lanes at US and Canadian airports.

http://getnexus.com/

It requires approval by both countries, but once you have that you don't even talk to an immigration officer at the border when you fly in. Most of the time when I'm driving I don't get any questions at all...

 

[lunas]

Hi. My wife is on visitor status in Canada from U.S. and we filed for PR using the Outland process. Can she travel back and forth from Canada and U.S. without any issues? What are the risks? I suppose when coming back to Canada they could deny her entry on the basis that her intent is to stay in Canada permanently and she currently has no basis to do so.

I think I lost count on how many times I have traveled back and forth and I never had any problems. In my opinion it's good that she has travel history. Last time I traveled, the officer deduced on his own I was just traveling back and forth until our application was completed. He came up with the words "Oh you are traveling back and forth meanwhile, gotcha". I never bothered with a Lexus card, it's never been a hassle as most of the time I travel at night and the airport is almost empty.