Frequent Visiting

[johnnyv 20]

Since a visitor visa isn't required for Canadian citizens, is it okay if my finacee traveled to the US every other month for about two weeks at a time? So far we haven't had any issues, but someone brought up the point that it might cause an issue. She's going to bring proof that's she's returning to Canada in May (She was last here in March).

Any thoughts?

[Hypnos 6,576]

Provided she is honest about her intentions, if asked (as a Canadian they may not) and carries proof that she will return to Canada then she will probably be ok.

It's important to show CBP that you are not / do not intend to live in the US on a visitor's visa, as that will certainly be grounds for them to refuse her admission. Try to make sure that she spends at least an equal amount of time outside the US as inside (or ideally more outside) to help demonstrate this.

[johnnyv 20]

Provided she is honest about her intentions, if asked (as a Canadian they may not) and carries proof that she will return to Canada then she will probably be ok.

It's important to show CBP that you are not / do not intend to live in the US on a visitor's visa, as that will certainly be grounds for them to refuse her admission. Try to make sure that she spends at least an equal amount of time outside the US as inside (or ideally more outside) to help demonstrate this.

Here is how our schedule has gone thus far

October - I visited her

November - She came here

December and January - I visited her

March - She came here

May - She's coming here

So she's spending a lot more time out of the US versus staying in the US. This would be her third time here since November. Also, when she stays it's for 14 days or less, maybe a day or two more, but nothing much more over that.

She isn't using a visitor visa because one isn't required for Canadian citizens. She's only using her passport to enter.

[Hypnos 6,576]

It's still technically a B-2 visa, due to the special arrangements that the US and Canada have.

Based on the schedule you indicate she will probably be ok.

[hikergirl 277]

As long as she spends 183 days in Canada her provincial health care will be good to go as well.

You guys should be fine the way your schedule is now.

I would highly recommend she apply for a NEXUS card as well to simplify her crossings. She applies on-line here and it’s only $50: https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes

Good luck

[johnnyv 20]

What exactly is that about?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

That is the schedule my now husband and I followed during our wait for the K-1, except we didn't get to stay 2 weeks as both of us had work obligations and could only manage a 4 day weekend each month except for Christmas. He never had any problems and I was pulled into secondary twice, but they just looked through my folder of 'proof of ties' (and my purse), and once they found the copy of the K-1 visa paperwork, generally closed up the file, and let me go on my way. Just keep that file folder up to date, replacing each month the new evidence that you have (recent pay stub, recent utility bill, recent rent receipt, recent insurance renewal, etc.), and you should be fine.

Edited April 6, 2013 by Kathryn41

[hikergirl 277]

What exactly is that about?

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/about-sujet-eng.html

It’s a “trusted traveller” program where in airports you get to jump the queues for the most part and generally whiz through customs.

It can be a godsend on busy days.

Plus there are special NEXUS lines at most if not all land borders to make that quicker.

I also got enrolled in the Global Entry Program as part and parcel and there are special kiosks in US airports for that.

It’s a good deal!

[a and m 2]

Agree 100% on the NEXUS card....helped me tremendously.

A Canadian border guard told me once it is advisable to keep a log (We use printed calendars) of your visit so you can watch your days and if you are ever asked, offer it as evidence that you are doing due diligence in complying with both countries immigration laws.

In the last 12 months I have made 32 trips totaling 137 Days into Canada and she has made 16 trips totaling 87 days into the USA. Most are weekend visits (Fri-Sun) with a few vacations in both countries scattered in there. We have not had an issue so far (knock on wood). Just remember ANY part of a day counts as a full day.

Good Luck!

Edited April 8, 2013 by a and m

[johnnyv 20]

She's bringing a letter from her college stating she's currently enrolled and through what classes. She's also going to bring a few pay stubs from work as well. She currently lives at home until her move here, so she doesn't have any rental documents. Anything else suggested to help her getting into the states less worrisome?

We're going to look into this NEXUS card as well.

[hikergirl 277]

A copy of her NOA1 showing that you are going about things the right way

[johnnyv 20]

A copy of her NOA1 showing that you are going about things the right way

I'm sorry, we haven't filed yet. We planned on waiting until September. I planned on proposing to her this next trip though. So I can't provide that yet. Is that a problem?

[hikergirl 277]

I'm sorry, we haven't filed yet. We planned on waiting until September. I planned on proposing to her this next trip though. So I can't provide that yet. Is that a problem?

No, I just had minimal stuff at first and didn’t get asked too many questions.

What she had sounded good, just add more proof as time goes on and you get it.

[moemac59 192]

Definately invest in the Nexus card...it is the bomb!! It has saved me from 3 hour waits (US Thanksgiving) at the border coming back into Canada. If you are in Ontario and she goes thru Niagara Falls, there is a seperate bridge which is Nexus only.

[IntoTheLight 5]

I'm sort of facing a similar challenge. Hope it's okay if I post in here, as I'm more just asking a question than helping answer the OP.

I hope to visit my fiance at least once every few months, if we can afford it, but I have to fly each time so I know that is a bit trickier than driving through the border. I don't have really any proof of ties to Canada as all I have is a part-time job right now at McDonald's. No rent or anything because I stay for free with my mother while I help her out because she is ill. I know that is not very strong proof. Is the K1 paperwork enough to bring as proof on it's own, provided I am honest and open? Would this NEXUS card be helpful for me, as well?

I could understand if I was refused, but would feel awful as my fiance pays for the tickets and it costs quite a lot each time to go from Toronto to Tucson, AZ.