Moving to Canada but waiting for family class permanent residency. What should I do?

Question

Hi,

I've applied for permanent residency in Canada using the family class. My wife is Canadian, I'm British, and I don't really expect any problems with receiving the permanent residency.

The question I have is this: I don't expect to receive my residency visa before I intend to travel to Canada. Given that I'm a British citizen, and can visit Canada for up to 6 months without a visa, do I need to do anything prior to heading to Canada (like get a temporary residents visa?).

I don't want to have any problems on arrival at Canadian immigration when they ask me how long I intend to stay in Canada, and I answer, indefinitely, dependent on my permanent residency visa coming through.

Suggestions, thoughts, advice appreciated.

Regards,
Karl

Answer 1

As far as I understand, it's okay to enter on a 6 months visitor's visa. In fact, it is now possible to enter the country on the visitor's visa and THEN apply for permanent residency using the family class. Apparently it is even faster this way.

It makes sense, as long as you are clear to immigration that you are entering the country as a visitor and are prepared to depart in six months if your permanent residency doesn't come through. But if you declare at immigration you are intending to reside here, and you don't have your permanent residency yet, that may pose a problem for you at the border .

My father is entering this way and has communicated with Canadian immigration to confirm this is okay. But please don't take this as advice, just anecdotal experience.

Answer 2

You will be better off asking the canadian embassy,Better safe than sorry.Good Luck