Canadian visiting the US during pending application

[annierob 194]

Hello,

 

As a Canadian, am I allowed to visit my spouse in the US while our application is pending?

 

Do I need a B2 Visa? Or are Canadians exempt due to the Visa Waiver Program?

[SDNOMAD 18]

Nothing changes you can still enter the US as per usual you just may require evidence that you intend to return to Canada...strong ties as they say! Return ticket maybe a letter from your employer stating that you’re returning to work!

[annierob 194]

3 minutes ago, SDNOMAD said:

Nothing changes you can still enter the US as per usual you just may require evidence that you intend to return to Canada...strong ties as they say! Return ticket maybe a letter from your employer stating that you’re returning to work!

Excellent, that's what I thought too. Thank you!

[Lois K 121]

10 hours ago, annierob said:

Hello,

 

As a Canadian, am I allowed to visit my spouse in the US while our application is pending?

 

Do I need a B2 Visa? Or are Canadians exempt due to the Visa Waiver Program?

I know you already got your answer. I thought I'd add a bit about what my husband and I do. We have been crossing the US/Canadian border by car for 9 years (8 prior to marriage, 1 since marriage) to visit each other. We each carry proof of home ownership, custody documents (from previous marriages), letters from our employers, and a copy of our NOA1&2. All this is to prove we are following proper processes, yet have ties back home, as we wait out the immigration process. We also both have Nexus passes, but that's just to make the crossings go more quickly.

Best of luck!

[ADW & JOP 146]

10 hours ago, annierob said:

Hello,

 

As a Canadian, am I allowed to visit my spouse in the US while our application is pending?

 

Do I need a B2 Visa? Or are Canadians exempt due to the Visa Waiver Program?

I will add that since filing i130, I have visited the US from Toronto Pearson at least 11 times with my nexus card without any issues.

[annierob 194]

1 hour ago, Lois K said:

I know you already got your answer. I thought I'd add a bit about what my husband and I do. We have been crossing the US/Canadian border by car for 9 years (8 prior to marriage, 1 since marriage) to visit each other. We each carry proof of home ownership, custody documents (from previous marriages), letters from our employers, and a copy of our NOA1&2. All this is to prove we are following proper processes, yet have ties back home, as we wait out the immigration process. We also both have Nexus passes, but that's just to make the crossings go more quickly.

Best of luck!

This is very helpful, thank you. Your answer actually made me think of something: when crossing over the boarders, did you ever declare your engagement ring or wedding band?

[NikLR 13,231]

6 hours ago, annierob said:

This is very helpful, thank you. Your answer actually made me think of something: when crossing over the boarders, did you ever declare your engagement ring or wedding band?

You're supposed to declare it in Canada if it was purchased in the USA and vice versa. Most people don't however.  (I don't know which of you is the Canadian.)

Edited February 4, 2020 by NikLR

[NikLR 13,231]

~~moved to working and travelling during immigration from IR1/CR1 process and procedures~~

[Lois K 121]

On 2/4/2020 at 6:08 AM, annierob said:

This is very helpful, thank you. Your answer actually made me think of something: when crossing over the boarders, did you ever declare your engagement ring or wedding band?

We opted to acquire one ring apiece, and they have served as both our engagement bands and now as our wedding bands. We bought them in the states and since I live in the states, I never needed to declare mine, just like I wouldn't declare any other jewelry that crosses the border with me. The cost of his did not exceed the duty threshold for the longer visit he made to the states during that trip, so he was good to go as well! https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/bringing-to-canada/personal-exemptions-mini-guide 

[NikLR 13,231]

Hubs didn't have to declare his ring, but he had to declare mine when we got engaged and married.  They didn't charge him any duty though even though they should have. 

[Arhb1234 3]

Hi! Please help. 
I am currently waiting for “case complete status”. I’m Canadian living in Canada and my husband is American living in Michigan.  
were expecting the interview to be in summer. Am I allowed to visit the states with my Canadian passport? Even if I have an open application ? Has anyone done this???? 

[Just Paul 4,595]

5 minutes ago, Arhb1234 said:

Hi! Please help. 
I am currently waiting for “case complete status”. I’m Canadian living in Canada and my husband is American living in Michigan.  
were expecting the interview to be in summer. Am I allowed to visit the states with my Canadian passport? Even if I have an open application ? Has anyone done this???? 

Yes the Canadian can visit the US.  If asked by CBP you would need to show strong ties to the Canada

Edited March 9, 2020 by Paul & Mary

[Arhb1234 3]

Paul and Mary -  thank you for the response.  Im knew to the site and don’t know how to use it well. (How to reply). But I’m just worried they can turn me down at the border!  I have proof I’m a business owner. So I’m sure that will help.  how long can I stay ? 

[ReadIcculus 103]

8 hours ago, Arhb1234 said:

Hi! Please help. 
I am currently waiting for “case complete status”. I’m Canadian living in Canada and my husband is American living in Michigan.  
were expecting the interview to be in summer. Am I allowed to visit the states with my Canadian passport? Even if I have an open application ? Has anyone done this???? 

My husband lives in Canada and has been to visit me in Atlanta at least a dozen times while we've been going through the process. He is always very up-front about the fact that he is coming to visit his wife, he brings confirmation of the application process, and a letter from employer to show ties to Canada. 

The first couple times they maybe gave him slightly more hassle, but now it's a breeze for him to come across. And next time he crosses will be after his interview!! (finally!)