Going to US

[Steven and Alice 30]

Hi

I'm sure others have asked this kind of question ...

We submitted our CR1 application with NOA1 dated May 21st 2013. I'm currently on Mat Leave till April 1st 2014. Do you think the border officer at Pearson airport will let us (my baby and myself) through if we plan to stay in US for 3months (Nov to Jan)? The return date might change if NOA2 comes out sooner which we doubt would happen. We read that the application process now can take up to 1 year and we would like to spend US thanksgiving and New Years together and for the little one to meet his grandparents in US.

I know I need to bring documents to show ties to Canada, such as employment letter stating that I need to return to work to "repay" the time for my mat leave top up.

Any advice is really appreciated.

[thegordons2009 1]

All you can do is try because at the end of the day its up to the boarder officer. Show that you HAVE to be back in Canada by a certain date, show them the Documents you received showing proof of filing for the Visa so they know you have taken the right steps (and they should know you wouldn't try to screw that up cuz its expensive and time consuming).

[candiizz 5]

Hi

I'm sure others have asked this kind of question ...

We submitted our CR1 application with NOA1 dated May 21st 2013. I'm currently on Mat Leave till April 1st 2014. Do you think the border officer at Pearson airport will let us (my baby and myself) through if we plan to stay in US for 3months (Nov to Jan)? The return date might change if NOA2 comes out sooner which we doubt would happen. We read that the application process now can take up to 1 year and we would like to spend US thanksgiving and New Years together and for the little one to meet his grandparents in US.

I know I need to bring documents to show ties to Canada, such as employment letter stating that I need to return to work to "repay" the time for my mat leave top up.

Any advice is really appreciated.

As the previous poster said, all you can do is try. Just bring as much proof of ties as you can. Maybe a lease/home ownership or some utility bills or something to prove that you have a home in Canada as well. Explain that you're visiting over the holidays for the baby to spend time with the family and you should be fine...

[Steven and Alice 30]

I can only think of the NOA and employment letter. I dont own a home or car since I moved to my parents house after we had the baby. What else can I use? Return ticket?

[ricnally 258]

I did it, with no difficulty, while waiting for K1 (and I didn't have any ties except a return ticket).

[Steven and Alice 30]

I did it, with no difficulty, while waiting for K1 (and I didn't have any ties except a return ticket).

was it for 3 months too?

[ricnally 258]

was it for 3 months too?

I'd been waiting 7 months for the NOA2 and just decided to go to the US and wait until I had to go back for the interview. I went at the first of April. NOA2 came at the end of May and I went back to Canada in time for the interview at the end of June. It's actually OK to stay for 6 months for Canadians.

[Steven and Alice 30]

I'd been waiting 7 months for the NOA2 and just decided to go to the US and wait until I had to go back for the interview. I went at the first of April. NOA2 came at the end of May and I went back to Canada in time for the interview at the end of June. It's actually OK to stay for 6 months for Canadians.

Yeah I know as a Canadian and hold a Canadian passport, we ususally can stay for 6 months without much hassle. It's just I'll be travelling with my baby and I dont want to get turned back at the airport. Thank you!!! You are giving me hope to give it a try! We are thinking the NOA2 will probably come at end of Dec or around that time so I can stay till end of Jan to go back for medical and such.

[ricnally 258]

I made sure to leave from an airport where I could clear customs (or not) before I left, so if they denied me, I would be close to home, not stuck somewhere in the US with no ticket back.

[Steven and Alice 30]

Just an update for those in similar situation!

I made my flight to US a few days ago! The officer asked quite a few questions. He asked about how my husband and I met (online game and he made a weird face), my work and return ticket but he let us (my baby and I) through after I show him my employment letter and return ticket. However, he did put a date on the stamp which is the usual 6 month allowance date. Glad to be with my husband for our anniversary, thanksgiving, Christmas and new years .. but that depends on NOA2. Not sure when it will come... but at least we are together for the time being now!!

[Ms Hogan 295]

That's great! Enjoy the holidays together!

Do you have any restrictions on your mat leave pay if you leave the country? I know that with EI you have to be available for work and IN the country in order to receive benefits but not sure about parental leave since you don't have to be available for work.

ETA I poked around and found this:

16. Can I leave the country when I'm receiving maternity, parental or sickness benefits?

You are able to collect maternity and parental benefits while you are outside Canada. However, you must advise your Service Canada Centre that you are leaving the country.

You are able to collect sickness benefits outside Canada only if you are going to another country to receive medical treatment not readily or immediately available in Canada at an accredited hospital, medical clinic or a similar facility. If you decide on your own to go to another country to rest and recuperate, you will not be entitled to benefits. You must also advise your Service Canada Centre if you go out of Canada.

So looks like no restrictions as long as you let them know you're outside the country!

Edited November 2, 2013 by MsHogan

[NikLR 13,227]

To expand on this, always ALWAYS buy travel insurance when going to the USA. Canadian health care will not cover you down here.

Congrats on spending the time down the in USA.