US Customs at Toronto airport

[L_n_O 3]

husband is family =)

[misa 2]

Sooo with that being said, tomorrow when they ask me if I'm visiting friends or family (that is what they normally ask me), should I say family, or just skip right to it and say husband?

Family. I always answered the questions like they asked it.

From what I understand, it can be construed as misrepresentation to say "family" if you're seeing your husband when the question is, "Who are you visiting?"

[Misty1979 0]

Sooo with that being said, tomorrow when they ask me if I'm visiting friends or family (that is what they normally ask me), should I say family, or just skip right to it and say husband?

Family. I always answered the questions like they asked it.

From what I understand, it can be construed as misrepresentation to say "family" if you're seeing your husband when the question is, "Who are you visiting?"

Gotcha:)

[vanee 13]

I went through secondary questioning when I visited my fiance in March, and data about me was entered in the computer. After that, I was nervous about my visit in July, so I had 4 thick envelopes of documentation with my K-1 files, ties to Canada, etc. When the border guard asked who I'd be visiting, I responded, "My fiance." He reacted a bit but didn't say anything about it. I got through without needing the documentation I'd spent hours putting together, but I was glad I had it just in case.

IOW, you won't necessarily go through secondary just because you did before. Or because you have a fiance.

Good luck!

[Krikit 1,163]

Hope you got through okay, PfcsBaby. The guys at Toronto Pearson secondary aren't the most pleasant people to deal with.

Signed,

A crazy person in Florida.

[neiks 19]

I think people get caught up in what to say and what is the "magic" words that are going get them sailing through. There are too many other factors that may be involved. Tell the truth. Period. If they ask who you are visiting - say who you are visiting....husband, spouse, fiance etc.... Remember they aren't just listening to your words they are watching your reactions to the questions. I believe the standard question is "Who are you visiting?" (Could be wrong with the US side but that is the standard question on the Canadian side). When they ask the friend vs family thing, it's my opinion they are "fishing" to hear how you answer it and actually handing you your rope to hang yourself with if you decide to play with your words. Be upfront, they are my spouse/fiance, etc.. be confident, be polite and respectful, be informed, and be prepared.

[misa 2]

be confident, be polite and respectful, be informed, and be prepared.

I'd just like to stress the be polite and respectful! As much as I've travelled this past year I've always paid attention to other people in line who end up being openly belligerent to the officers (not saying that anyone here would do that) or sighing loudly and rolling their eyes, looking at their watches and tapping their foot and I always think, "How f***ing rude..." I make it a point to be super friendly (genuinely) to them and greet them with a "Hello! Good afternoon." and a smile. After having to deal with a rude person, a smile and a hello seems to change their mood dramatically. I don't envy the job of any officer on either side... it can't be easy to have to size someone up in a mere couple of minutes and an endless lineup of people at busy airports.

[Flames9_RN 358]

Yes always be respectful!! if your respectful to them, they will be respectful back. Like it or not,they are the authoritative person, and control the outcome. maybe me being a military fellow, i always say sir or maam and look them in the eye. I believe (been soo long now) that I stated I was visiting my wife when I was asked the question. A few time they asked business or pleasure?? my response?? pleasure and that was it!! I didn't blab on that it was pleasure to see my wife!! They asked "business OR pleasure" no need to blab away,lol If they want to know more, they will ask,lol Who knows what they really see on their computers?? a USA POE official isnt going to come on VJ and blab away what they see or do not. They have been TRAINED to ask certain questions and to see who is lying! ALWAYS easier to remember the truth (but don't blab away,lol) In closing, Sir/maam goes a long way and NEVER lie.

[misa 2]

Flames, "Pleasure to see my wife. Listen man, it's been a month, I need to see her."

But yes, everything that Flames said and funny enough, he was the first person I pmed here to ask about visiting the U.S.! Great advice and very helpful.

[Delicia 1]

I have got the same problem coming up next week, with a different twist. I am technically in Canada illegally (overstayed my 6 month visit) while waiting for CIC to process my PR application. I have a job interview next week in the U.S. and will be returning to Canada. I am stressed about getting through immigration and back into Toronto where my husband/son are living (son is technically illegal now too). I am bringing all my CIC paperwork with me and extra clothes just in case. Canadian Immigration is no friend of mine and I have already been threatened with a deportation by the CIC Call Center people.

[misa 2]

Hopefully Neiks can comment on your situation. She works for Canadian border patrol (sorry neiks, not sure what the official name is!).

Are you allowed to leave and come back while your PR stuff is pending? You and your son are not "illegal". As I understand it, overstays are also forgiven by CIC when applying for PR as a spouse. I'm sure the call centre people aren't that knowledgeable... same goes with USCIS on this side (they frequently give out misinformation).

Edited August 16, 2007 by misa

[misa 2]

Delicia, I can't remember if you answered this before or not, but are you caught up in security checks with CIC?

[Delicia 1]

Delicia, I can't remember if you answered this before or not, but are you caught up in security checks with CIC?

I got a copy of my FOSS notes and they have gotten my FBI processed (no record) and have received my RCMP check (no record) but there is no info on the CSIS check other than they ordered it in June 2006, and the Call Center people don't even acknowledge it has been ordered.

And to clarify about the 'illegal' status, I am illegal. CIC changed the rules to allow for spouses to stay in Canada while processing, but it does not preclude the applicant from having valid status in Canada, which I do not have atm.

IMM5289 - Inland spousal sponsorship guide, Page 26:

"You must have legal temporary residence status in Canada to remain in the country legally without the possibility of being removed. Having legal temporary residence status means you have a document issued by Citizenship and Immigration, which allows you to remain in Canada for the period of time specified on your visitor document (work permit, study permit) or on your temporary resident permit."

IMM5289 - Inland spousal sponsorship guide, Page 26:

"Although out-of-status spouses and common-law partners may now apply for permanent residence in the Spouse or Common-law Partner Class, persons without legal immigration status in Canada are unable to work or study and may be subject to removal proceedings at any time for failing to have or maintain legal immigration status in Canada."

IP08 - Spouse or common-law partner in Canada, Section 5.27:

"Applicants in this class must have valid temporary resident status on the date of application and on the date they receive permanent resident status. Applicants who do not have temporary resident status on the date of application or on the date that permanent resident status is received and persons who are living illegally in Canada or facing enforcement action are not members of the class and may be refused.

Of course, when/if I make it back into Toronto, my 6 month clock starts again. Hopefully, I won't be here that long...

Edited August 16, 2007 by Delicia

[misa 2]

The call centre people probably don't have access to your entire file. Good luck on your interview and good luck coming back as well!

[neiks 19]

Delicia, Sorry can't help or even offer any advice here. Being you are overstaying in Canada I would say you have ever reason to be nervous in returning to Canada. I have been on Mat leave for 10 months now and not up to speed on even my minut knowledge of the CIC side of my job - yet to take the Imm. training since they have married the two departments. I know in the past they usually just issued a Visitor record to the spouse and was fine with renewing it after 6 months as long as you were keeping up with the processing of your application. Sorry, I can't be more helpful.