Yet another border crossing question

[cpeters8604]

Hello everyone-

I know everyone must be getting tired of these type of questions as they are quite unpredictable at the borders. I am asking any input based on someone else's experience.

My wife and I were married here in Canada on September 18th. We are waiting for our Marriage certificate, her FBI print results, and my Notice of assessment from Canada Revenue. We have taken all the pictures, done the medical exam and have tons of pictures and documents supporting our genuine relationship. My wife is an American citizen with no criminal history.

She has to return home to the USA on Monday. We are not certain when she will be returning to Canada yet as we are kind of playing it by ear. Therefore we have filled out forms for the Outland Application package. Her flight leaves from Bellingham, Washington. Therefore I will be driving her across the border to the airport. We were considering walking to the Canadian customs side before leaving the country. Reason being is to inquire on how things can go smoothly for us during this process as we would like to see eachother (obviously) at some point while the process is underway. We are wanting to make sure we do not break any rules or piss anyone off. I had run this by a friend who said it may not be a good idea to approach Canada customs/border as they will just assume we are up to something. Which is far from what we want to do! We are more than happy to follow all their rules and regulations so that she may be here asap but legally.

So what I am asking is what has been your experience in visiting your spouse during the application process in regards to crossing the border. I have also read it is a good idea to bring along copies of the application to show the customs officer that the process is ongoing. Do you think it is a good idea to approach the Canada customs agent and ask what we can do to prove this so that it all go smoothly? or best to just wing it? I'm kind of OCD about having everything over prepared and organized opposed to just winging it.

Any experiences and dos or donts you can suggest is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

 

[scylla]

I don't think approaching Canada customs is a good idea.

First of all, I agree with your friend, walking over to them to chat may create more problems (raise more red flags) than it solves. You should only approach customs if you are actually entering Canada. They have video cameras all over the place looking for people behaving strangely and if you walk over, that's what you'll be doing.

Secondly, just because one Canadian customs officer says you're OK doesn't mean the next one will agree. I think you'll get more from the experiences of those on this forum than you will from one conversation with a customs officer.

My husband crossed back and forth between Canada and the US many times while his sponsorship application was in progress. He was sent to secondary inspection once but still had no issues getting into Canada. I think what helped was the lack of luggage he brought each time (i.e. pack like a visitor - not someone who's living in Canada), he always had a departure date (typically an airline ticket) and he had assets that tied him back to the US (property, bank accounts). He also had a Nexus card and carried proof that his sponsorship application had been filed.

 

[truesmile]

And if you really want things to go smoothly, I really suggest getting a NEXUS card. If you're driving across the border with her, you both should get one (all passengers the car must have one to use a Nexus lane). You're still subject to being stopped for inspection, but you'll be "waved through" 99.9% of the time. Ensure however there is a Nexus lane at a border crossing near you.

 

[Passport2Canada]

I'm a US citizen, Can I use a Nexus card while being a Canadian PR? If I were to apply, would I apply under US or Canada?

 

[scylla]

I'm a US citizen, Can I use a Nexus card while being a Canadian PR? If I were to apply, would I apply under US or Canada?

Yes - you can get a Nexus card.

You just apply thought the Nexus web site. Same web site regardless of whether you're American or Canadian.

 

[cpeters8604]

We do not have her fbi results or marriage certificate yet. Is it better to wait for these and send it off all together?

 

[Alurra71]

far as I know you need to submit a marriage certificate, at the very least, with your application. It would be easier for you, I think to wait until you have both the FBI certificate and the marriage certificate and include them both with your application so you aren't later scrambling and hoping it gets attached to your file properly.

 

[Kiri]

I certainly wouldn't approach them. Being overly chatty can actually backfire. Be honest with them, but don't volunteer things or involve them further if they aren't prying further.

I just got my COPR (thankfully) but I've been in Canada as a temporary resident for 2.5 years! How? When you cross, you're allowed 6 months via a US passport. I crossed, at 6 months went back for 3 weeks and came back. They allowed it but were picky and gave me 5 months (I think they did it to be smart due to some circumstances that would need me to have 6 months, but eh whatever). At that time I applied for an extension, was granted it for a year. Applied for another while here and had implied status until a month ago when I got a new extension until May next year - which is now irrelevant because I have COPR and just have to land.

What I'm saying is if you have documentation showing ties back to the US (lease, bills, etc) and tickets to return showing the dates she intends to return then anytime you cross you should be fine. It's when you cross with nothing to tie you to the US they'll be thinking what reason does she have to return and red flags will fly.

Good luck!

 

[cpeters8604]

Thanks for the advice and I see what you mean about not talking to the border. This guilty until proven innocent sure is the pits

 

[Alurra71]

Personally, I never had a problem speaking with CBSA. I never did it while trying to LEAVE Canada first. You could, on your return tell a guard that you wish to speak with someone in immigration and they can send you in. You can then just politely ask one of the officials the best way to proceed for your wife to visit. Likely, they will tell you, once you guys are married, to bring your marriage certificate, proof of your sponsorship application and receipts for application, and then stop in and they will give her a visitor record. It gets stapled in her passport and can be good for 6 months or up to 1 year, sometimes if they feel 'blah' they will only give a few months. Anyway, the point is, they will put it in her passport which will not GUARANTEE her entry, but it will however ease their minds. I know because I have one and travel back and forth fairly frequently. I live in Canada with my hubby while our application is being processed (inland) but cross almost weekly to go see my new grandson and daughter without troubles.

It really is up to you, however, I would probably agree with these other folks about jumping out of your car to go talk to immigration. I think though, I might be wrong, that most of those immigration buildings at the border crossings have a way in/out from within Canada. You don't really think those working in there just appear, right?

 

[cpeters8604]

Just wanted to share my experience as now my wife has returned back to the united states. As I was returning into Canada I asked the officer about my wife visiting me. She stated the officer would likely ask a series of questions because the concern would be whether or not she will be likely to return to usa while the immigration process is underway. The officer suggested to bring any supporting documents to prove she will be returning. Documents such as mortgage rental or lease agreements. My wife does not have any of those. Does anyone have any other suggestions for supporting proof? It would be very unfortunate to pay for a flight just to be turned around at the border.

 

[HoneyEllis]

Does anyone have any other suggestions for supporting proof? It would be very unfortunate to pay for a flight just to be turned around at the border.

I visited my husband whilst our application was being processed. I brought with me a letter from my employer saying that I was on approved vacation leave (and the date I was due back at work). Does your wife work?
I also had a letter from a medical specialist confirming an appointment (long wait list like 18 months to get appt, so I could say that I wouldn't risk missing the appointment by overstaying).
Other suggestions might be important family / socail events - sibling giving birth, parents 40th wedding anniversary, best friend's wedding - be creative!

 

[cpeters8604]

Thanks for the freat ideas. Yes she does work and have some important family events when shes scheduled to return home. So I will try to conjure something up

 

[cpeters8604]

The 9th of December is fast approaching I'm so excited to be bringing my wife into Canada. Still having a bit of difficulty (and a lot of worrying) about what we can bring to prove she will return. So far all I have to work with is a flight itinerary. My wife currently rents from family and will be taking an LOA from work but the job is only a job working at a gas station/convenience store. Her length of stay will be exactly 6 months which is the allowed time for an American visitor to VISIT Canada. Any suggestions at all PLEASE on what to bring to the border to prove she will return. I will be devastated if they turn her away :-[

 

[canadianwoman]

Any proof of the application in process, such as the fee receipt. You can pay ahead of time.
A letter from her boss saying she is expected back is great.
It should be OK, most people on the forum in this situation have had no problems. She has to be clear that she is just visiting though, and will be returning to the USA.