Entering with husband during CR-1 process

[muchogrande 0]

Hi, Ive read lots of posts about alien spouses coming to visit their USC's from Canada and their experiences at the border while their visas are in process. I've yet to read one about the couple crossing the border together during this time. Since this is what me and my wife are planning to do I'm wondering if anyone has any advice / experience? Would my presence be a hindrance to her?

thanks

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I've crossed the border together with my wife (her a USC, me a Canadian) several times without incident. In fact, every time we have crossed into the U.S., it has been a downright pleasant response from the border guard. We just explain that we're working on immigration, that the CR-1 visa is in process etc., and they've always nodded knowingly.

Each time we've gone down it has been to drive her to the airport in Seattle, mind you, so perhaps if you're planning on going down there together and staying for any significant duration, you will receive a different response. But as I've said in a few threads now, my experience has always been positive, as I've been honest and polite about the situation.

Good luck!

[muchogrande 0]

Thanks Wyatt, glad to hear that.

[Krikit 1,164]

My husband and I crossed numerous times together also. Was not a problem for us.

[Carlawarla 1]

My husband and I crossed numerous times together also. Was not a problem for us.

You didn't cross during the process on a CR-1 visa though Krikit.

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

My husband and I crossed numerous times together also. Was not a problem for us.

You didn't cross during the process on a CR-1 visa though Krikit.

I did with my wife three weeks ago. Border guard asked where we live -- I said Vancouver, my wife said Washington D.C. He asked why she was here, and I said that we're married and I was just driving her back to the Seattle airport. He asked who is moving where, and I said that I'll be moving down there -- that the I-130 was currently in process etc. (it had technically been approved, but we didn't know that until the next day). He nodded knowingly and waved us through.

I'm certain there are border guards out there that aren't as easy-going, but like I've said before, we've never had a problem. We're just polite, affable and honest.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I crossed with my wife a few times, wasnt a problem for me! Bring ties to Canada!!

[Wyatt's Torch 45]

I crossed with my wife a few times, wasnt a problem for me! Bring ties to Canada!!

...and Timbits!

[trailmix 77]

I think the difference here is that, from what I understand from your previous posts mucho - your wife won't have ties to Canada? That you plan on having her stay in the U.S. with you until her interview, or until her 6 months allowed for a visit is up?

The fact that you will have already started the paperwork at that point will probably work in your favour, however - it is kind of different than these other folks where the spouse or intending spouse was still 'residing' in Canada.

Anyway, I hope you can work the plan and that you don't have a hard time at the border.

[muchogrande 0]

Thanks everyone. Yeah Trailmix, you hit the nail on the head. Her ties to Canada will not be very strong.

So even though we are not planning anything illegal we're still a little concerned about proving that she is not going to stay illegally. We'll have the paperwork from the CR-1, proof of her funds to support herself, and proof of enrollment in the second stage of her Marketing degree in the spring. (Which, honestly she may not actually attend if we are successful before it begins). She does have a job here, but its very casual and she could leave it on a whim.

Thing is, I feel there is a strange tension in what we're doing:

Our goal is for her to live in the US with me, therefore she is actually trying to remove ties with Canada so that she can do so. I guess the thing for us is that she is preemptively removing those ties instead of waiting for the visa.

I read a post of someone who did tell the immigration officer that they were planning an extended vacation (5 months) with their guy in the US. They were asked to prove they could support themselves financially, but they were allowed in. So that gives me hope.

Anyhow, Im glad to hear any more stories (even bad ones) of people who did something like what we're planning on doing.