Visiting Canada from US for One Month - some last minute help!

[nyssa]

Hello! I've asked for help on this before, but I figured 11 days before I leave, I'd like to see everyone's opinions. I'm visiting my fiancee in Canada for 33 days. I already visited him in April and July, both times I had absolutely no problem. The first time I was going up for a wedding (not mine, his sister's) and the second time I said I was going to visit a friend and they didn't even ask me for how long I was staying!

But this time I'm going to be completely honest that I'm visiting my boyfriend, becuase I don't think they'd believe I was going to see a friend for a month, and other times throughout the year on top of that. But what if they start asking me how we met? Well, he was illegally in the US and we lived together... it just seems like a huge mess, and I don't want to get turned around... we're getting married! I just want to know the worst case scenerio, most likely scenerio, what to expect, what I might word better.

You can understand why I'm so worried, this is for our wedding, we have lots of people travelling for it, and I don't want to get turned around!! I will have a letter from my employer, enough money, bank statement, travel itinerery. I know I should avoid saying I'm getting married, but if they ask me what I'll be doing in Canada I might start stammering. I'm so nervous!!!!

EDIT: I also hope the fact I said I was visiting friends last time doesn't hurt. I wasn't LYING! I said I was staying with friends in such and such towns which was true, I just didn't mention that my boyfriend was there as well. But if that is documented, they might frown on me. It's not that I want to or will lie, I'm just terrified of not being able to see him.

 

[saralune]

I hear you !!!!I have a somewhat similar situation.

I got married back in September in the States to my boyfriend who is illegal in the States, and going to the states at that point, was more nerve racking than any other time.

I cross the border both ways every 2nd or 3rd week-end. From my experience, I would say you are fine. Just answer honestly the question about going to see your boyfriend. They don't need to know he was illegal in the state and if he is a Canadian living in Canada, there is nothing anyway they can do about that
I do not see why they should even care... in my case for example it is a bit more of an issuse since my boyfreind is currently illegal

...about getting married.. bring prof of employment back in the States or anything that might show that you are established in the States and not planning on staying in Canada....

I'd say either way they never really ask to many questions. I got pulled twice in two years, once on each side and that's when they really asked more questions about my relationship, but after giving them the answer they wanted and searching my car they let me go as usual.

 

[rjessome]

You are very likely going to be just fine! Bring the proof you mentioned and your return ticket (if you are flying).

If CBSA asked you how you met your fiance (doubtful but you never know) why would you have to tell them he was illegal in the US at that time? Why would they care?

They didn't document the reasons you gave them for visiting before. But be HONEST this time.

Stop stressing and enjoy your wedding!!!!

 

[nyssa]

Thank you! Last time I'd asked about visiting, I was advised to say I was visiting friends. But after reading some more posts, I now see that isn't necessarily the best bet. I have nothing to hide, I honestly just want to visit him for a month and return!! After he was illegal here, and the 5+ hour wait we had on the US side trying to come back from Canada and him being torn away from me... I've been incredebly paranoid as you can tell. That kind of situation is scarring!!!

I'm hoping that since I've never been pulled aside before, even if they do it this time, they will let me through. I wouldn't mind at all if they issued me something that forced me to come home on the date I have on my return ticket, because that's really when I'm leaving!! It doesn't seem like people get turned around too often. We just couldn't have the wedding in the states because I doubt they'll let him back in... which is sad because all of our friends and family live in the states, but what can you do?

 

[nyssa]

I plan on bringing my return ticket which is basically just a megabus ticket to Buffalo and then a plane ticket to where I live (it was cheaper flying domestic on the way back, but I'm flying directly to Toronto on my way there). A letter from my employer with her contact info and statement that I'm returning to work on said date. Travellers checks, debit card and credit card. Hospital bill and credit card bill so they can see my address and obligations of payments. And also a few pay stubs so they see I do actually get paid. It sounds like a lot... but I hope that can satisfy them!

 

[saralune]

i think you re right on .. that s what they want to see

good luck