Temporary Living While Waiting for CR-1

[pushbrk 14,005]

1 hour ago, gramophone24 said:

Yes, I'll be working in the US as I would not be able to work in Canada

Then you will not be "living in Canada" for the duration of spouse visa process either.  

[gramophone24 0]

On 10/23/2025 at 4:54 PM, pushbrk said:

Unless you are a dual Canada USA citizen, you are only allowed to visit Canada for six months.  You cannot just leave for a day and come back for another six months.  The same goes in the other direction.  How do you plan to obtain authorization to live in Canada for around 18 months?  

I was under the impression that a visitor record would allow me to stay in Canada, provided I apply for an extension about 30 days before it expires. I’m just unsure whether that would allow me to live with my then husband during that six month period. I still have a place to stay in the US, so if necessary, going back there there while the CR-1 is being processed wouldn’t be an issue. When you mention the 18 months, I’m assuming that refers to the latter part of the CR-1 average processing timeline? Please correct me if I've misunderstood the visitor record. I appreciate the response! Happy to clarify anything if needed. 

[pushbrk 14,005]

4 hours ago, gramophone24 said:

I was under the impression that a visitor record would allow me to stay in Canada, provided I apply for an extension about 30 days before it expires. I’m just unsure whether that would allow me to live with my then husband during that six month period. I still have a place to stay in the US, so if necessary, going back there there while the CR-1 is being processed wouldn’t be an issue. When you mention the 18 months, I’m assuming that refers to the latter part of the CR-1 average processing timeline? Please correct me if I've misunderstood the visitor record. I appreciate the response! Happy to clarify anything if needed. 

A "visitor record" is an extension you apply for.  Apply for, does not indicate you will be granted what you apply for.  How long you can extend is unclear to me, and whether YOUR reason is allowed is not clear either.  If your application is denied, you must leave but you have not "overstayed" or incurred a penalty.  It also does not grant you come and go privileges during the extension.

Edited 11 hours ago by pushbrk

[pushbrk 14,005]

2 hours ago, pushbrk said:

A "visitor record" is an extension you apply for.  Apply for, does not indicate you will be granted what you apply for.  How long you can extend is unclear to me, and whether YOUR reason is allowed is not clear either.  If your application is denied, you must leave but you have not "overstayed" or incurred a penalty.  It also does not grant you come and go privileges during the extension.

Quoting myself, I think you can get better information about the visitor record in the Canada Regional Forum.  It seems to me like one of those things that sounds great until you find out it really isn't what it sounds like.  For your sake, I hope I'm wrong.