US citizen wife and moving back to Canada

[rhcohen2014]

quebecokie - i wish that old guy still worked at the landsdowne border! that's the one i regularly cross at. i have yet to encounter him. thanks for sharing your story.

 

[QuebecOkie]

This was July 2012. He was just so nice! I didn't dare try my luck again after...I felt I'd use up all of my luck on getting him for my agent during the move. :-D

 

[uskyoot]

It actually took my husband a lot longer in Customs, as the agent there...well, let's say there may have been sharper knives in other drawers. He had a huge amount of trouble with my husband "importing" his car. It was not being imported. It was a Canadian car my husband purchased IN CANADA in 2008 before the move to Oklahoma

I am in the same situation. I will be bringing two "Canadian" cars back from the US. One I purchased and one was gifted to me by my mother(I have the paperwork for that). Any suggestions on how to make the process easier. I had assumed I would export them from the US and then drive them into Canada. I'm guessing it will be important to have the documentation showing they were purchased in Canada

 

[rhcohen2014]

This was July 2012. He was just so nice! I didn't dare try my luck again after...I felt I'd use up all of my luck on getting him for my agent during the move. :-D

um yeah, the younger ones certainly aren't as friendly. though the first time i was able to cross in my car without going into the building for further qustioning was during a shift change. i was the first car for the guy, and i'm guessing he was still in a good mood. i thank him for "upping my status" - his words - in the system. i hope my status is still "up" when i cross in a few weeks.

 

[QuebecOkie]

I am in the same situation. I will be bringing two "Canadian" cars back from the US. One I purchased and one was gifted to me by my mother(I have the paperwork for that). Any suggestions on how to make the process easier. I had assumed I would export them from the US and then drive them into Canada. I'm guessing it will be important to have the documentation showing they were purchased in Canada

I would definitely gather whatever paperwork you have that shows the cars were purchased in Canada and previously registered there, as well as the paperwork from your mother for the transfer of ownership. Other than that, I really don't have any advice. Are you able to call the border crossing where you will be reentering Canada? I've read that some who were actually importing American cars into Canada called ahead to the border crossing to confirm all of the details (importing is more complicated, I know...it's why I sold my car before coming to Canada, was just TOO complicated along with the rest of the move stuff).

Do they have Canadian tags, or US tags? Hubby's car was tagged in the US, which I think is part of what confused the guy so much.

And to rhcohen2014, good luck with the crossing! It's SUCH a relief to me now to have that PR card and know that I have real status in Canada and can't be denied at the border!

 

[uskyoot]

I would definitely gather whatever paperwork you have that shows the cars were purchased in Canada and previously registered there, as well as the paperwork from your mother for the transfer of ownership. Other than that, I really don't have any advice. Are you able to call the border crossing where you will be reentering Canada? I've read that some who were actually importing American cars into Canada called ahead to the border crossing to confirm all of the details (importing is more complicated, I know...it's why I sold my car before coming to Canada, was just TOO complicated along with the rest of the move stuff).

Do they have Canadian tags, or US tags? Hubby's car was tagged in the US, which I think is part of what confused the guy so much.

And to rhcohen2014, good luck with the crossing! It's SUCH a relief to me now to have that PR card and know that I have real status in Canada and can't be denied at the border!

They both have US tags. We will be crossing at the Ambassador Bridge. (Detroit/Windsor) We are actually going for a visit to Canada in June so maybe I'll stop into the customs office and ask them. Did you "export" his car from the US

 

[QuebecOkie]

No, there was no import/export for his car, though it took a while to get the Customs agent to understand that. He is a Canadian who, in 2008, drove his Canadian car to Oklahoma in the US. Four years later, he drove his Canadian car back into Canada. It was pretty straightforward, as there was no change in ownership or anything, but like I said, the guy just wasn't getting it at first.

Talking with officers in advance should help you figure out what you'll need to have with you. Did you buy the Canadian cars in the US? If that's the case, you may still have to import them to Canada, but at least them being Canadian simplifies some aspects. My car was a 2002 Honda Accord from the US, and certain modifications would have had to be made to be in accordance with Canadian safety standards...it would have been somewhat expensive and a pain in the a$$ to try to have them done, so it was easier to sell it and buy something up here. Your Canadian cars should, at least, already comply with Canadian safety standards.

 

[uskyoot]

No, there was no import/export for his car, though it took a while to get the Customs agent to understand that. He is a Canadian who, in 2008, drove his Canadian car to Oklahoma in the US. Four years later, he drove his Canadian car back into Canada. It was pretty straightforward, as there was no change in ownership or anything, but like I said, the guy just wasn't getting it at first.

Talking with officers in advance should help you figure out what you'll need to have with you. Did you buy the Canadian cars in the US? If that's the case, you may still have to import them to Canada, but at least them being Canadian simplifies some aspects. My car was a 2002 Honda Accord from the US, and certain modifications would have had to be made to be in accordance with Canadian safety standards...it would have been somewhat expensive and a pain in the a$$ to try to have them done, so it was easier to sell it and buy something up here. Your Canadian cars should, at least, already comply with Canadian safety standards.

One car I drove into the US and officially imported it about a year later when I had to renew the tags. I imported it at the local customs office in Knoxville. The other car I imported at the border when I brought it to the US so that is why I am thinking I have to export them from the US but not have to import them into Canada if that makes any sense Both cars where purchased in Canada

 

[QuebecOkie]

Hmm, I really can't help with that. I honestly don't know if the hubby ever imported his car. He's allergic to administrative details, and he does a lot of things WRONG. He wasn't the hubby when he moved to Oklahoma. And OK has really lax vehicle laws (no more annual inspection, that kind of thing), so not sure if it would be caught if he did it wrong.

 

[uskyoot]

Hmm, I really can't help with that. I honestly don't know if the hubby ever imported his car. He's allergic to administrative details, and he does a lot of things WRONG. He wasn't the hubby when he moved to Oklahoma. And OK has really lax vehicle laws (no more annual inspection, that kind of thing), so not sure if it would be caught if he did it wrong.

Tennessee has lax laws as well but I did have to have a form showing I had imported the car in order to get TN plates. I'll have to check that one with US customs but I'm pretty sure I'll have to export the cars. If not when I cross the border they may show as US cars and not Canadian, but I will have Canadian plates........AGHHH my head hurts, I think I'm becoming allergic as well

 

[Smonro04]

i don't know why you assume it will be "assanine" for her to cross by herself with HER application for PR. Like I said, canada doesn't care about your intentions, they care about HERS. Both applications must go together in the same package. The sponsor is not responsible for filling out the applicant's application, that is the responsibility of the applicant. Technically speaking, CIC thinks the sponsor fills out his part, and the applicant fills out her part, and the applicant SENDS the sponsor her application so the sponsor can send it into CIC. I cross the border BY MYSELF most of the time, as do a lot of people on this forum in US/Canadian relationships. When we were filling out the application, i had it with me. Now that it's been submitted, I carry a copy of it. I have crossed 2-3 times BY MYSELF while our application has been in process before receiving SA, and many MANY more times BY MYSELF before getting married or submitting our application. Your theory of her not being able to cross without you because you haven't been approved as a sponsor yet is certainly not based on real life experience.

I'm really not getting your thinking, as it seems quite antiquated as if your wife needs you to escort her across the border at all times to prove that you are responsibile for her. She doesn't. This is 2014, not 1914. We are free to travel by ourselves when we want to without our husbands escorting us and talking for us. Like I said, CBSA is not going to care about you at all if you cross together. When they question HER, most likely they will ask you to sit down so that SHE is the one answering the questions. You are the canadian citizen, you are free to travel in your country as you wish (within the legal limits). She is a US citizen who does not have the right to just travel in canada without proper authorization even though she is married to a canadian. CBSA is going to be skeptical enough if you are with her when you are telling them you are moving back to canada after a certain number of years of living with her in the US (Even if you don't have your belongings). If you get a border agent that doesn't question her intentions and her ties to the US or send her into secondary after hearing that... please tell me the border entrance and agent name so I can be sure to look for them every time i cross.

You know, I'm not trying to rude with my replies and I feel y are personally attacking me for stating a question or statement. I have not said ONCE that I think I need to escort her EVERYTIME she crosses. We are together at the present moment and would like to cross together when going back to Canada. After that she can go and come and do whatever by herself. But I don't see the point in splitting up if we are going to the same exact place initially. Do you get what I'm saying? We would like to cross initially together, not every time. Haha.

I also am not doubting that she will be questioned by the border. She has all proper documentation, and you are right, it is up to the border agents to turn her away or not. But I think if we are upfront with the border, have the application and fee paids for, I don't think there will be a problem with the INITIAL coming together. Like I said, she can go and come as she please after that, we are together right now and would like to remain so in crossing.

 

[rhcohen2014]

listen, i am on here to give legitimate advice that i know to be true based on my own experience and what i have learned on this forum. I also attempt to not give advice on something i don't know much about. Most people will tell you i am the first to respond to US/Canadian questions because i have almost 4 years dealing with crossing the border while dating and being married to my canadian. I am not going to tell you your plan is great when i know for sure you will have problems crossing with the facts you gave.

The fact remains you posted a question asking how you can move back to canada with a moving truck full of belongings and bring your wife, a us citizen who doesn't currently have a PR application in progress, with you. Most people on this forum who have traveled to and from us and canada with or without their spouse know this to be the biggest red flag that is subject to denial of entry. Even you pointed out the fact that the "stories" you read were similiar except for the fact those people did not bring a moving truck with every personal belonging they owned. Therefore, their situation is NOT the same as what you were asking. You seem to have realized bringing your stuff with you and your wife is not the best move. Great! I'm glad to have helped you figure that out!

I expressed my concern and my knowledge of this fact, and how others in your situation avoid issues at the border, ie: driving separately. It was met with what seemed to be arrogance in the belief that it's ridiculous to do such a thing, and as long as you are with her with her application for PR in your hand, she should be able to get in and stay there for an extended period of time of her choosing. If only it worked like that! I have also left out concerns about other things in your "plan" in an effort to not scare you because in my experience they are friendlier toward married couples than people just dating.

Considering, this thread has been read nearly 170 times, and I am the only one who has continued to write advice as to the risks of doing what you suggest most likely means people have read my responses, agree, and have nothing to add. QuebecOkie was kind enough to share her story that is similar to yours and gave some very great points that will help your wife travel with you across the border.

Bottom line is, there certainly is nothing wrong for a couple to travel across the border together. What is wrong is a US citizen expecting to cross the border and stay for an extended period of time without any proof of ties back to where they came from. The facts seem to be she will no longer have a residence or a job in the US when she attempts to cross with you. Again, another BIG RED FLAG! We can't just go and live with our spouses until the pr application is complete, and say i don't know when i plan to come back. We can certainly visit, and hope they let us in for 6 mo. when we ask, and apply for an extension to stay. As visitors we can not work or go to school, so this makes it difficult for many couples to take that route.


Truth is I don't know what's going to happen when you cross the border because as we all know it's always dependant on the border agent and their mood in that moment. All I can do is provide advice based on what i know, and what I know is your plan needs some work. Could you get someone who loves your plan and doesn't question when your wife plans to go back and lets her through for 6 mo.? sure you can! can you be greeted by someone at the end of their shift who has dealt with 100s of people telling the same sob story and chooses your wife as the one person to make the example of? you betcha!

This experience is very stressful, overwhelming and doesn't make sense at times. Unfortunately those are just facts we have to deal with in order to be with the ones we love. Wishing you and your wife lots of luck crossing the border. Would love to hear how easy peasy it is for you, because that gives me hope that it has the ability to get easier for the rest of us.

 

[Smonro04]

listen, i am on here to give legitimate advice that i know to be true based on my own experience and what i have learned on this forum. I also attempt to not give advice on something i don't know much about. Most people will tell you i am the first to respond to US/Canadian questions because i have almost 4 years dealing with crossing the border while dating and being married to my canadian. I am not going to tell you your plan is great when i know for sure you will have problems crossing with the facts you gave.

The fact remains you posted a question asking how you can move back to canada with a moving truck full of belongings and bring your wife, a us citizen who doesn't currently have a PR application in progress, with you. Most people on this forum who have traveled to and from us and canada with or without their spouse know this to be the biggest red flag that is subject to denial of entry. Even you pointed out the fact that the "stories" you read were similiar except for the fact those people did not bring a moving truck with every personal belonging they owned. Therefore, their situation is NOT the same as what you were asking. You seem to have realized bringing your stuff with you and your wife is not the best move. Great! I'm glad to have helped you figure that out!

I expressed my concern and my knowledge of this fact, and how others in your situation avoid issues at the border, ie: driving separately. It was met with what seemed to be arrogance in the belief that it's ridiculous to do such a thing, and as long as you are with her with her application for PR in your hand, she should be able to get in and stay there for an extended period of time of her choosing. If only it worked like that! I have also left out concerns about other things in your "plan" in an effort to not scare you because in my experience they are friendlier toward married couples than people just dating.

Considering, this thread has been read nearly 170 times, and I am the only one who has continued to write advice as to the risks of doing what you suggest most likely means people have read my responses, agree, and have nothing to add. QuebecOkie was kind enough to share her story that is similar to yours and gave some very great points that will help your wife travel with you across the border.

Bottom line is, there certainly is nothing wrong for a couple to travel across the border together. What is wrong is a US citizen expecting to cross the border and stay for an extended period of time without any proof of ties back to where they came from. The facts seem to be she will no longer have a residence or a job in the US when she attempts to cross with you. Again, another BIG RED FLAG! We can't just go and live with our spouses until the pr application is complete, and say i don't know when i plan to come back. We can certainly visit, and hope they let us in for 6 mo. when we ask, and apply for an extension to stay. As visitors we can not work or go to school, so this makes it difficult for many couples to take that route.


Truth is I don't know what's going to happen when you cross the border because as we all know it's always dependant on the border agent and their mood in that moment. All I can do is provide advice based on what i know, and what I know is your plan needs some work. Could you get someone who loves your plan and doesn't question when your wife plans to go back and lets her through for 6 mo.? sure you can! can you be greeted by someone at the end of their shift who has dealt with 100s of people telling the same sob story and chooses your wife as the one person to make the example of? you betcha!

This experience is very stressful, overwhelming and doesn't make sense at times. Unfortunately those are just facts we have to deal with in order to be with the ones we love. Wishing you and your wife lots of luck crossing the border. Would love to hear how easy peasy it is for you, because that gives me hope that it has the ability to get easier for the rest of us.

I thank you for your response and all the responses you have given. You have given solid, great advice. Additional info is my wife does have the luxury of having a job that she works from her computer, but it is located in the States, the company, that is. She has that tie. As for residence, we could do as you suggested and have her family draw up a "lease" to have.

I understand that you are very well informed of the topic and, again, thank you for the responses you have offered up. It certainly helps, especially coming from a person who has loads of experience with the whole situation.

My wife isn't expecting anything, to be honest. She isn't expecting to be let in on 6 months, or being turned away. No expectations, no let downs is her thing, haha. We wanted solid advice on the subject and we received it. From what you are telling me is this:

-My wife should travel alone to cross the border with her Application and my spousal application in hand while crossing the border.
-She can offer up that she is coming to visit her Canadian husband and would like to visit with him while the process is happening and when the allotted time is up she will gladly leave or apply to extend her stay if the need be
-She should travel alone

These points are all clear to me and we will do them as you seem very well aware if this situation.

I wasn't trying to come off as "knowing more" or whathaveyou, I was just trying to piece it all together and make sure that all other points of argument were shit down to have one solid way to get this done smoothly with less complications. You've helped in that. Thank you

 

[QuebecOkie]

:-* I love when little misunderstandings occur, and people on the internet choose to act like humans and be respectful instead of degenerating into "you're a poo-poo head - NO, YOU!"

Best wishes on your journey, Smonro04!

 

[rhcohen2014]

I thank you for your response and all the responses you have given. You have given solid, great advice. Additional info is my wife does have the luxury of having a job that she works from her computer, but it is located in the States, the company, that is. She has that tie. As for residence, we could do as you suggested and have her family draw up a "lease" to have.

I understand that you are very well informed of the topic and, again, thank you for the responses you have offered up. It certainly helps, especially coming from a person who has loads of experience with the whole situation.

My wife isn't expecting anything, to be honest. She isn't expecting to be let in on 6 months, or being turned away. No expectations, no let downs is her thing, haha. We wanted solid advice on the subject and we received it. From what you are telling me is this:

-My wife should travel alone to cross the border with her Application and my spousal application in hand while crossing the border.
-She can offer up that she is coming to visit her Canadian husband and would like to visit with him while the process is happening and when the allotted time is up she will gladly leave or apply to extend her stay if the need be
-She should travel alone

These points are all clear to me and we will do them as you seem very well aware if this situation.

I wasn't trying to come off as "knowing more" or whathaveyou, I was just trying to piece it all together and make sure that all other points of argument were *censored word* down to have one solid way to get this done smoothly with less complications. You've helped in that. Thank you

having a remote job is the best option for a us citizen, so that will certainly decrease any issues she encounters, and increase her ability to get a 6 mo. stay. that will alleviate their concern she will attempt to work illegally. just be sure she carries most recent paystubs in case they ask about it.

if you are traveling with a moving truck, it's safer for your wife to travel separately to avoid issues. then again, with her employment with a us company, it may not be as much of an issue. again - too hard to tell. QuebecOkie's story is a great example of success doing this. if you opt to travel without your household goods, then it's not going to matter if you are with her or not. it's best for her to have the paperwork, receipts, marriage certificate, lease, and paystubs with her.

personally i wouldn't mention getting an extension later on while she's already in canada. i always err on the cautious side though. the goal is to get her in, and if she tells them she's already intending to stay longer than what they give her, well that can be reason for concern.

there's no need for an elaborate story. "I'm coming to canada to visit my husband and his family, and we have started the the paperwork for pr." you can even add "we are waiting for xx and xx before we send it out." If they want more info, they will ask. best not to give them a reason to ask more questions. They may ask her about your move. again, i don't know. she just needs to be prepared with good answers. QuebecOkie's response seemed to have worked well for her, and it sounds like her situation was similar to yours. Just saying your wife may want to take her lead on that one if you travel together.