Arriving in Canada, but then leaving a few days later... ?

[ryanblue]

Hello everyone,

I am a Canadian citizen but I have been living in the US for the last 6 years. A year ago and a half ago my wife, an American, and I were planning on moving back up to Vancouver so we began the immigration process. However, in the time that it took to get the actual approval, we had a baby and I started a new job.

The baby delayed the process, so we didn't get the medical completed until after she was born. Thus, we received the approval two weeks ago with a "must arrive in Canada by" date of October 7th. 1.5 months isn't enough time for me to wrap everything up down here, so now we're trying to figure out our options.

The idea is that my wife will be residing in Canada but visiting me down in the US for the first 3 months until I can wrap everything up and drive our stuff up to Vancouver.

Here are my questions:

1) If we "arrive" in Canada at the end of September, but have a return flight to the US the following week, will that cause any issues?
2) Can she apply for her Permanent Residence card and then leave the country? Will she be able to get back in without it or can a family member mail it to her?
3) If she's arriving with no stuff, will that cause issues?
4) What does she need to do in order to "establish residency"?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Best,
Ryan

 

[Heppster]

Hello everyone,

I am a Canadian citizen but I have been living in the US for the last 6 years. A year ago and a half ago my wife, an American, and I were planning on moving back up to Vancouver so we began the immigration process. However, in the time that it took to get the actual approval, we had a baby and I started a new job.

The baby delayed the process, so we didn't get the medical completed until after she was born. Thus, we received the approval two weeks ago with a "must arrive in Canada by" date of October 7th. 1.5 months isn't enough time for me to wrap everything up down here, so now we're trying to figure out our options.

The idea is that my wife will be residing in Canada but visiting me down in the US for the first 3 months until I can wrap everything up and drive our stuff up to Vancouver.

Here are my questions:

1) If we "arrive" in Canada at the end of September, but have a return flight to the US the following week, will that cause any issues?
2) Can she apply for her Permanent Residence card and then leave the country? Will she be able to get back in without it or can a family member mail it to her?
3) If she's arriving with no stuff, will that cause issues?
4) What does she need to do in order to "establish residency"?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Best,
Ryan

Ryan,
I have been researching a similar issue for myself as well.
1. Having a return flight should not be an issue as permanent residents are free to travel to and from Canada after becoming a PR.

2. Part of the landing they will ask for a Canadian Address to mail the Permanent Resident Card. It MUST be mailed to a Canadian address. Someone just posted today that it is "illegal" to mail the PR card, but I have my doubts with that as the Government Mails it to you. However, there are alternatives. One is that you can apply for a PRTD to return to Canada. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/travel.asp. The second option is that she stays in Canada until the PR card is mailed to her then return to the states. Current Processing times for the PR Card is 70 calendar days.

3. As long as she has follows this, http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/before-border.asp There should not be any problems with her not having her belongings with her.

4. To establish Residency she must be in Canada for 2 years of the first 5 years. Here are some exceptions to that that you will like. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=727&t=4

I hope I answered your questions!

 

[MrSputnik]

If you arrive by car your wife does not need her pr card.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=064&t=10

 

[MrSputnik]

Sine I might have to deal with the same issue (I've to give my employer a three month notice) I've looked further into this situation.

Your wife can also apply for a PR Tavel document at the VO once she is back in the US. Such a travel document is valid for a one time entry into Canada. Issuing a travel document takes about 2 weeks in Europe. I assume it will take about the same time in the US.

I would be happy if an experienced user could confirm or correct my information.

 

[zardoz]

Sine I might have to deal with the same issue (I've to give my employer a three month notice) I've looked further into this situation.

Your wife can also apply for a PR Tavel document at the VO once she is back in the US. Such a travel document is valid for a one time entry into Canada. Issuing a travel document takes about 2 weeks in Europe. I assume it will take about the same time in the US.

I would be happy if an experienced user could confirm or correct my information.

She doesn't need a PR Travel Document as she is a) visa-exempt and b) capable of crossing the land border in a private vehicle.

 

[Rob_TO]

She doesn't need a PR Travel Document as she is a) visa-exempt and b) capable of crossing the land border in a private vehicle.

Even if she flies it would most likely be ok. Would just be like a typical US visa-exempt passport holder flying to Canada as a tourist.

 

[ryanblue]

Thanks everyone! The information is very helpful. I think we'll just plan to drive back across the border when we head back up, or perhaps have someone meet on us on the other side of the border with my wife's PR card.

So exciting! I'm coming home!

 

[MrSputnik]

I just talked to someone from the VAC Düsseldorf and got confirmed that for holders of passports from a visa exempt country that passport is enough to re enter Canada. No need to get a PR Travel document.