Visitor's Visa for Sponsored Spouse Overseas?

[GTWifey]

I just began the process of sponsoring my husband to come to Canada.

Does it make any sense for us to bring our spouses to Canada on a Visitor's Visa? The 6-8 month waiting period will be so much easier if we were together. . .

 

[iarblue]

You can apply but you will need to prove to immigration that after his visa is expired he will return home,even though you know ,you will apply for an extension,you still must convince them he will return home if he does not get an extension.
And if you can not give them enough reasons that he has ties in his home country to go home he may not be let in.
That said a few americans have brought all the proof of their PR process to the border,fees paid proof,and they have been let in.The best thing you can do when you get to the border let them know you are aware of the law,and tell them you understand that if the PR process is not complete,by the time his visa expires that he will have to extend it or leave.It seems that if you show them you are aware they will let you in.

 

[canadianwoman]

You can try, but TRVs from some countries are easier to get than from others, and Port-of-Spain is not known for its speed or leniency.
To get a TRV, you must prove that your husband will go back to T&T. Just saying you will is not enough. The visa officer is looking for ties to his home country that are greater than his ties to Canada. So if he has a job and a house at home, he can show a letter from his employer showing that they have given him a month's leave, and he can show the deed to the house. If he has kids and leaves them behind, this is also evidence he will return. Money in the bank is also good evidence. But since he has a wife in Canada, it will still be difficult.
If he has had visas to other countries and has not overstayed, this is also good evidence he will abide by Canada's immigration laws, so provide proof of this too.
Clearly stating in a letter that he understands Canada's immigration laws, has applied for a PR visa as a spouse, does not want to jeopardize that, and so will come back to wait for any requests from Immigration and for the interview, may also help.

 

[GTWifey]

Thanks for the advice! I suppose we'll just WAIT the long WAIT. I don't think Ill travel to get him until he gets the VISA to finally leave the country. Arriving to visit him is always exciting - but travellin back alone (and in tears) is always the hardest part.

:-[


Good luck with your applications too!

 

[canadianwoman]

Keep in mind that you have to prove that your relationship is genuine. Visits to see your spouse are very good evidence of this. In fact, if there are no visits, and the time apart has been extensive, the visa officer will be suspicious.