What to say at customs if I want to stay in Canada with spouse while outland application processes?

[melylags]

Hello,
I am an American citizen with a Canadian spouse and our immigration package was finally mailed out today. We married in June 2018 and I would like to go be with him while our application processes because it is getting more difficult being apart for an extended amount of time. I will definitely be returning to the US at some point because my sister is getting married later this year, but I also want to be with my husband.
My question is, what do I tell the border agent if I want to stay for months at a time? Will I be allowed in if I say I want to stay while our application processes? Will it raise red flags if I quit my job to be with him?

 

[DollyM]

My question is, what do I tell the border agent if I want to stay for months at a time? Will I be allowed in if I say I want to stay while our application processes? Will it raise red flags if I quit my job to be with him?

You tell the truth. Never, and I mean never lie to any immigration official.
Will you be allowed to stay? That's up to the border guard at the time of your arrival. They may allow you 6 months or only one day. It's up to them.
Will it raise red flags if you quit your job? I would say it's likely. With no job to go back to you have no incentive to leave Canada at the end of your allowed time.

As an aside, many of the posters on here didn't have the benefit of living so close to their spouse during the wait. You can visit your spouse and don't need to apply for a visa.

 

[funboy101]

Hello,
I am an American citizen with a Canadian spouse and our immigration package was finally mailed out today. We married in June 2018 and I would like to go be with him while our application processes because it is getting more difficult being apart for an extended amount of time. I will definitely be returning to the US at some point because my sister is getting married later this year, but I also want to be with my husband.
My question is, what do I tell the border agent if I want to stay for months at a time? Will I be allowed in if I say I want to stay while our application processes? Will it raise red flags if I quit my job to be with him?

I think it's quite unlikely for an American to be denied entry to Canada with visitor status in this situation. You normally are visa exempt for 6 months and can't see why this would be different. Check out the provisions in law under dual intent as well. Just be sure you make it clear to CBSA that you are visiting, haven't moved here permanently, will comply with visitor status, leave when it expires, etc. I think very high probability you will encounter no problems at all.