Has anyone visited Canada during the CR-1 process?

[Minted7 3]

Hi there! I'm a u.s. citizen married to a canadian citizen and he is going to move to the u.s. I started his papers last week and I'm thinking about visiting him soon and was wondering if anyone has any customs advice? I've visited before but that was before I was married and I had a note from work and stayed for a month and a half. I remember the customs lady saying "wow you got a month and a half of work " and i told her yeah I have vacation time and my boss likes me. It was okay. But yeah anyone have any advice? Thanks!

[Marilyn. 340]

My husband would come and visit me about every other month after we were married and filed for the CR1 visa..

he never really bought proof of ties to the US ........sometimes he was questioned for a bit but he was always let through...

[Minted7 3]

What I meant is would i say I'm visting my husband, we are processing his papers...

Yeah . i guess it depends on which customs person you get huh? blah....

[Marilyn. 340]

I would answer their questions truthfully but you don't need to go into detail unless you are asked ....

Edited May 2, 2010 by Marilyn.

[Minted7 3]

I see, so you and your husband got to see each other during the process?...thats really cool lucky girl. =)

[Jadenjewel 9]

HI,

Its important to say who your visiting. One time my husband crossed the border and brought some things with him, he was between jobs. He didn't mention he was staying with me and they called him in for questioning. Once inside he mentioned he was visiting "his wife". They expressed "why didn't you say so?"

After a few more questions, and identity check they let him through with a firm statement " no reason not to say who your visiting!".

He is up visiting me at least every two months. The more they see your comings and goings the less either border office worries about your returning to your home country. Plus it also helps for when you need to prove your relationship.

Its so nice to be able to have your mate get to know your home stomping grounds!

Enjoy the visit, these are great memories in the making!

All the best,

[Minted7 3]

I want to stay for 5months.......but if i have a note from a employer for 2weeks entered and stayed for 5 would they know? cOULD i get in trouble?

[canadian_wife 1,823]

My husband visited me every month during the process. Sometimes he was asked for ties to the US, once he was searched, but most of the time it was easy.

Can you get in trouble? Well, if you are activly trying to misrepresent yourself (as in you're bringing a letter from an employer saying you'll be back in 2 weeks to make your entrance into Canada easier when in fact, you fully plan on staying for 5 months - then yes, if you are caught then that is misrepresentation) then yes you can get in trouble. Also, if, by chance, they issue you an I-94 then you must stay for the duration of the I-94 and not longer.

If you are admitted without any problems, stay for up to 180 days. But remember, always tell the truth. The thing with the truth, it can't get you in trouble and it is so easy to remember

Good luck.

[FireRay 1]

I want to stay for 5months.......but if i have a note from a employer for 2weeks entered and stayed for 5 would they know? cOULD i get in trouble?

Lying to a border officer.......IMO a very bad Idea. Never know how that might affect the immigration case. And I am sure there is some form of trouble if caught lying.

Atleast when I cross the border they swipe my passport, and the same when I come back to the US. So, I do assume they would know how long I was there. I ussually have no problems going into Canada, Its coming back into the US where I get inspected and they play 50 questions.

I always bring a letter of vacation from my employer when I cross, and a recient paystub as well. (Just to be on the safe side)

Just be honest when going across.

Edited May 2, 2010 by FireRay

[Minted7 3]

ALrighty....honesty is key.......besides what do i have to lose by being honest nothing! I got more to lose if i lie and get caught...

Thanks!

[MSPtoYYZ 0]

I've visited my husband 5 times in Canada since we filed. I try to get up there at least every 4 months or so. I always tell them I am going to visit my husband, and give them the number of days I am staying (it's always been 10). I only got sent to the immigration counter once, and they only asked why I was coming, and why my husband was living in CA and me in US. Be honest, then you will only have to remember one story!

[Pauley 2]

My wife lives in Toronto (for only 6 more days!!! ) while I'm in Rochester, so I've visited nearly every other weekend, and I've had no problems telling them I was visiting my wife for the weekend. They often asked how I had a wife in Canada, and I'd just say that she was a Canadian citizen applying to move to the US. Outside of the normal are-you-bringing-anything-illegal-into-the-country questions, they'd then let me through without incident.

Edited May 3, 2010 by Pauley

[Minted7 3]

Wow only 4 more days! How exciting congrats =)

Yeah I don't want to visit for the weekend I want to visit for 5months if i can..... I could supply a note from employment and a return ticket if needed.... I hope they don't deny me entry, I would be leaving before the 6months. Id hate to fly all the way there and know my husband is waiting for me like 50 ft away and not be able to see him, I think id die.

[neiks 19]

Also, if, by chance, they issue you an I-94 then you must stay for the duration of the I-94 and not longer.

Canada does not issue I-94's, that is a US form. Visitors to Canada may be issued a "Visitor Record" for the duration of their stay if there is concern of that visitors intent to leave Canada. Like visiting the US, Canada Officers may want to see proof of ties to the US, ie, proof of a US residence, employment to return to and sufficient funds or access to funds to support your stay for the length of the intended visit to Canada.

[Minted7 3]

How much funds do you think they would consider for 5months?