DGF

Yes, you can absolutely visit. I visited every other weekend for a year and a half, and then for 5 months leading up to the pandemic, and then again for another 3 months last summer. I immigrated 6 months ago, no issues. The only thing you have to be aware of is to leave the US before your admit until date (generally 180 days from when you entered). Also, if you are spending a lot of time in the US that will raise some suspicion with CBP and you'll need to bring strong proof of ties to Canada with you to convince them otherwise. 

If the Canadian half is a Canadian citizen and doesn't have anything that would have them disqualified from being visa exempt (criminal record including DUI, etc), then just a ticket is sufficient. Otherwise a B1/B2 would be required. Always be honest if they ask about the visa process and the fact that you're visiting your spouse, but I wouldn't offer any details they don't explicitly ask for. Also, travel with proof that you're in the process (one time I almost didn't make it through but my NOA2 convinced them). 

As for bans, I wouldn't worry about them right now. The way our lawyer explained it to us, it's very hard for them to give them out in pre-clearance (aka airports) because of how the law is applied since they're technically on Canadian soil. It's not impossible, but exceedingly rare. The place you have to worry about them is the land border, but of course that's closed right now. The worst they can really do is deny entry, which won't have an impact on the visa, but you will be required to disclose it on the application and at the interview. 
 
Happy visiting!

Back when they were interviewing July/August CR/IR they gave an update to lawyers they were interviewing May 2020. I think they publish the safest range that will not require them to clarify or push forward more on.

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/06/09/feds-to-lift-14-day-quarantine-requirement-for-fully-vaccinated-canadian-travellers.html

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

I was able to visit with no job and living with my parents. I brought other proof, such as phone bills and invoices from the desk I rented at a coworking space but all they ever wanted to see were my documents related to my visa (NOA1, NOA2, etc). I also had a history of visiting and returning which I think worked in my favour. As mentioned above, the risk of a ban if you fly (and thus go through preclearance) is exceedingly rare and it's totally worth giving it a shot if you can afford to lose the airfare if you don't get through.

One thing to note, if you do travel while the border is closed, I'd double check that whatever status you're in Canada on is enough to be allowed back in  

Some people seem to have the idea that now you're DQ'ed you're more likely to be a risk of immigrant intent, but I honestly counter that it doesn't make much logical sense. CBP make assessments regarding entry based on risk and circumstance. So as we know they're on the lookout for people who might be looking to enter in order to illegally adjust status. But let's think about the rationale as to why someone would do that, pretty much without exception it is to avoid waiting out the I-130/Visa in your home country and 'skip the line'.
 
But as you get closer to your eventual visa interview, illegally adjusting status becomes a far less attractive option. Think about it, we might be interviewed in a month or two and be done with the process. While if we were to do AoS and throw out consular processing, that would easily add an extra year minimum onto this agonizing process (and we wouldn't be able to leave the US either), who in the heck would actually want to do that?
 
So I would argue that the risk of someone staying is far higher while they are at the start of this process than people who are as close to the interview as we are because illegally adjusting becomes an irrational proposition in any perceivable case. I don't think for a minute that CBP hasn't considered this. I would say that the greatest risk in CBP's eyes is someone who's had an I-130 petition but hasn't hit NVC yet.
 
Anyways, if we get an interview date this month, having flights and hotel reservation out to Montreal is a pretty damn strong indicator that we aren't gonna abandon consular processing.
 
I'll also say if you want to avoid the risk of an Expedited Removal (which carries the 5 year ban) airport preclearance is the way to go as CBP cannot use that process on Canadian Soil, they can only deny boarding. As always, carrying strong documentary ties to Canada will minimize, but not eliminate, the risk here.

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

This is a really good way to get a ban instead of just being denied entry. I wouldn't risk it. 

Just to clarify, the consulate has received K visa’s from June 2020 up until Dec 2020. They still have to complete P3 and P4 before they get an interview (usually a month per step pre-COVID). They only had Interviews for K-visas scheduled in June and July for K NOA2’s with June 2020 and July 2020 dates. So, in terms of interviews, they’re not “ahead” of us by date of final interviews which is nice. 
 
still doesn’t feel good to watch them move while ours is stagnant though 😞

I understand your sentiment and this has been discussed many times before, but also keep in mind that the 90 day rule puts a TON of strain on people and their relationships.  Those individuals cannot work when they enter the US, have to get married in 90 days and file further paperwork to remove conditions, making them 100% dependent on their spousal sponsor.  That's a pretty big legal and financial commitment and not for the faint of heart.  Divorce rates are just as high, if not higher than failed engagements.  At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong.  Everyone wants to be reunited with their loved ones and get on with life.  Everyone also wants it...yesterday.  
No worries.  I hadn't seen the notice either, so it was new to me, too.  But as us "oldies" have seen, things have definitely changed over time.  The AP thing was new once upon a time.  The medicals being sent exclusively digitally to the Consulate new...always something new but never anything fastER!  

Finally finished with our journey! My husband had already activated his GC a few months ago at the border before the mandatory Covid testing was required to enter Canada from the US. We crossed on Tuesday at the Peace Bridge at Buffalo/ Fort Erie. Our van was packed full as the movers had already picked up all of our furniture. I had prepared a detailed list (4 pages) of all of our possessions that we were taking over with us. Got to the customs booth and was asked for my passport and husband’s GC, what was our citizenship and what state we were moving to...that was it! He didn’t even look inside our van or want to see my list which I told him we had. The only thing he was concerned about was importing our vehicle so we had to go inside for that, which we were prepared for. 15 minutes inside and we were good to go! Easiest crossing we’ve ever had and so happy to be near my family again!  We have to give a huge thank you to everyone here in VisaJourney as you guys have been a lifesaver through this whole process. I’ve also made a couple of good friends through here as well. Best of luck to all of you!!!

I also went and looked back in the post history and something isn't quite right. In 2019 you posted that you were the immigrant and Deb was going to be filing either the K or CR. Now you and Deb have a duck farm and she is in a detention center and you are the USC who can rescue her by a quick zoom marriage but the problem is the ducks. They will have to be sold to free your love from jail. Umm. Any thoughts from the mods?

This is just from a quick google search.  After I was denied entry, I made sure I had most of these.  When I was finally permitted to enter, I was restricted to only 2 weeks.  
Job/Career Letter from your employer stating duties, salary and tenure duration Pay Stubs Permission Letter for Taking Time Off College Enrollment Student ID Card Business You Own Bank Statements Showing Revenue Articles of Incorporation Spouse & Kids Birth Certificates Photos Marriage Certificate Other Dependents Affidavits Photos Volunteer Work & Organization Memberships Documentation Demonstrating They Depend on You Assets Deeds to Land You Own Title to Vehicles You Own Bank Accounts With Significant Balances Good luck 

1. If they didn't tell him when, immediately.
2. Did they give him a list of documentation he should bring with him next time? There used to be a pdf of it floating around but I couldn't find a link to share. If they did, he should get as many documents on that list as possible before trying again. Employment letter won't mean anything since he's remote and doesn't have to be in a specific location.
3. Hurt if anything. 
4. Bans in preclearance (airports) are exceedingly rare. He will most likely be denied entry again and perhaps threatened with a ban. If he tries a third time he'd be risking it imo. 

I was denied entry twice.  I agree - we Canadians take for granted the ease of traveling to the US.  CBP told me to ALWAYS have a return ticket.
 
1. In truth, he can try again immediately.  But unless his circumstances have changed he is likely to encounter the same result.
 
2. What shows the CBP that he MUST return?  If he is able to spend extended amounts of time in the US, then what can he show as to why he must return?
 
3. In my experience, this will hurt.  CBP wants to see that the traveler can support himself/herself while in the US.  Showing that you are paying for his trip does the opposite.  
 
4.  It's possible.  I was not given a ban but certainly threatened with one.  That decision will be up to the agent on the day he travels.  
 
Good luck

Hi everyone, I crossed at Portal border crossing on May 27th.. Only took about 45 minutes. It is so surreal to finally be here! Fingers crossed for interview letters soon! 🤍 hang in there. 

Just saw a lot of posts with inquiries we've addressed in the FAQ.
Public service reminder: please review that document before posting! It exists to help eliminate people repeatedly asking the same questions. 
 
Nope. 
Just do it before border crossing so GC production is not delayed.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee/immigrant-fee-payment-tips-on-finding-your-a-number-and-dos-case-id

Hi Everyone,
 
update for my case. Interview was April 21, I was placed in AP which lasted 29 days, my case turned to issued last Thursday (May 20) morning, then changed again to issued final processing Thursday night. I got my tracking number for my passport Friday (May 21) morning and I received my passport this morning (May 25). I will be crossing on June 3rd, one day after after my second anniversary! 

Long time lurker, first time poster.. 
 
Filed in early July 2019.
We were DQd (NVC) on June 3 2020.
Received an interview letter on February 4 2021
Initial Interview was scheduled on March 1 2021 (We could not attend this and had to cancel)
They emailed us on April 1 that we were rescheduled on May 21 for an interview. 
 
Anyway.. had our interview on Friday! Everything went well - he was approved on the spot. I watched and read a lot of reviews about what to expect. My husband was let in 10 mins early, there was no line at all. He said he was 1 of 2 people in there and it was over less than an hour later. Meaning he was back at our hotel in less than an hour so that included the walk back as well. Super quick and painless. Shockingly after months of anxiety. 
 
I drove back to the US after the interview on Friday and he is in western Canada waiting for his passport before he will fly back to the US. 
(yes we had to quarantine ahead of the doctors appointment because we were in the US and it was painful $$) 
 
Does anyone have experience with what to expect from the courier process? I realize it's only been a couple days and Monday was a Canadian holiday. 
 
For everyone else -- hang in there. Your day will come I promise! 

Poor Neil V. and whoever will be moderating the comments have no idea what they are in for doing this Q&A 😂 They're going to be bombarded by pissed off applicants. 
 
That's for spouses of LPRs. Spouses of USCs are not capped and don't rely on the visa bulletin. 

me @ the moderator 
 
They MUST be managed by different departments. It’s the only thing I can think of that makes sense.

 
@NimF this is exactly the approach I want to take! Maybe we can coordinate something and upvote each other’s questions so they get more attention?