Will_PA

Flying to Toronto today as a visitor, intending to apply inland as a spouse.

Read and researched as much as I can, but still hoping for a friendly CBSA officer

Siouxie

Sam1970

Did he/she make it 🙈

FromUKtoBC

Will_PA

Vulcanoid

Hurlabrick

Congrats! Get the paperwork in!

Will_PA

Early next week hopefully!

As an aside - at what point am I "in the system"? I'd like to exchange UK for Canadian driving licence, apply for a bank account, etc. When I was here in June they wouldn't let me open a bank account until my PR application had started, would you think that means application received?

Vulcanoid

Bank accounts etc depend on the bank. Requiring status is a bank policy, not a law, so what you need to open one depends who you go with - some will let tourists open an account, others won't.

Driver licensing is Province dependent, so it depends where you are. BC, for example, you wouldn't be able to exchange one at all until after you've become a PR, or got a work permit, you need an official status and (very) official document from IRCC (eg, a COPR isn't enough even after landing). Manitoba also require proof of status. Don't know about the other Provinces, although I understand a couple in the east may allow visitors to exchange.

Siouxie

I'd suggest getting your partner to make an appointment at their bank - don't go to a teller, see a customer service officer. Most banks will agree to open an account (even for a visitor) with an introduction from a current customer.

I opened an account with Scotiabank and later RBC without having status.

Regarding the drivers license, you would need a visitor record, which you could get from the border once your sponsor has been approved. I wouldn't try going to the border until then - once your partner has sponsorship approval you can be in Canada under 'dual intent'.

Your other alternative is to wait until you have your open work permit (presuming that you intend to apply 'inland' and therefore would qualify for one) - which would automatically give you status, allowing you to open a bank account and get a drivers license without any issues. It will mean waiting a few months though!

Will_PA

OK thanks, it was RBC that turned me down until application in process.

I'm in Ontario. Yes I'm applying for OWP simultaneously, but would like to drive asap. Insurance looking expensive too (going from $100 pcm without me, to over $300 pcm with me included on application).

Thanks for info on visitor record...

Siouxie

You can drive on your UK license (as a visitor) for 3 months, or longer if you have an international drivers license.Once you have PR (or a work permit or visitor record) you would need to exchange your license within 60 days.

https://drivetest.ca/licences/licenc..._exchange.html

Regarding insurance, it is much more expensive here but you may be able to have your UK driving experience (no claims) taken into consideration with certain companies. Johnsons and TD Meloche both do.

More info here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/canad...ntario-902858/

I'm surprised that you were turned down by RBC, did you just ask a teller or did you make an appointment with a Customer Service Officer/Advisor? It's usually down to the individual branch / advisor as to whether they will, but having a 'sponsor' (i.e. someone who had an account in good standing with them) will usually do the trick if they are reluctant. TD may also open an account for a visitor provided you have ID. https://www.td.com/to-our-customers/...1|vid=41599388

Will_PA

Application sent

What a mission.

I didn't thank you for car insurance advice, really helpful, thank you!