Moving back to Canada with my US spouse (and dual citizen children). A few ?s

[LizaDoolittle]

We decided to apply for his visa once we've moved because the timeframe is so up in the air (we are currently selling our business and have a buyer on the hook. Fingers crossed). I was going to drive the moving truck and dh was going to drive in the car with the kids. Should he say that he's just visiting and later say that he changed his mind? Are we going to be able to import the car after the fact without filing the import paperwork at the border? Are they going to extremely suspicious that he has 3 kids 3000 miles from home and 2 dogs, probably in the middle of the school year? Should he go through first and I follow a an hour or so later?

We're really trying to hammer out the logistics without having to be separated or having to stay here any longer than we have to be. We would like to be as upfront and truthful as at all possible.

 

[scylla]

You should cross together - that's the best/safest option. Your role is to confirm that you will in fact be sponsoring him as your spouse for PR. If asked, he should confirm that he understands that he is only allowed to enter Canada as a visitor at this time and will abide by visitor rules.

Pay the PR application fees in advance ($1040) to demonstrate that you fully plan on applying for PR to make his status in Canada permanent - and bring proof this fee has been paid. Ideally (if time allows) you should really submit the sponsorship application before you leave the US and attempt to enter Canada (and bring evidence you have done this).

 

[LizaDoolittle]

That would be so much better. We were under the impression that he would be turned away if he couldn't prove that he planned on returning to the US until he was awarded permanent residency.

 

[scylla]

That would be so much better. We were under the impression that he would be turned away if he couldn't prove that he planned on returning to the US until he was awarded permanent residency.

Ultimately whether he is allowed in and for how long is still up to the immigration official you encounter. But if you show concrete proof that you have started the PR application process (again - it would be best to have the PR application submitted before you leave) and also demonstrate that your husband understands he is in Canada as a visitor (and will leave if/when he has to) - then you should be OK.