crazy72

Not everyone posting here is a native English speaker or completed education with English as a medium. Depending from the part of the world they are originally from and their native language they often use quite similar style when writing in English. I'm one of them Sherlock....

It may be hard to understand by someone who is a native English speaker and never really learned and used any other language. But it is quite easy for many of non-native English speakers who speak more than one other language (beside their native language and English) to guess with some accuracy the country (or at least the region) of origin of a writer on the basis of his or her writing style in English. But this is something what some übermensch showing off his English language "superiority" may never comprehend...

fledermaus

You misunderstood my post.

I wasn't criticising your writing style but commenting on the similarity to another poster who also gave immigration advice. I did not criticise non English speakers, nor foreigners, nor was I showing off any English language superiority.

Perhaps that is how to you got to Ubermensch, I don't think I am better than others.

Karen1203

Thank you )

Karen1203

I was aware that it was inadvisable to travel, however not having seen my mother for 3 years, who is elderly and now unwell, the consequences became rather secondary!

Aviator

Even so this is something that could benefit others. When there are potential problems with re-entry, research the problems and how to overcome them before leaving is wise. Ones motivation to leave is not in question, but trying to figure it out how to overcome it after leaving is a bit 'shutting the door after the horse has bolted'.

No substitute for advance research and preparation.

Karen1203

Well I thank you for your thoughtful response. And I do hope it is of benefit to others.

Regardless, I would still have made the trip!

Aviator

Hope it works out OK for you.

anewPR

Go for it, you will have no problem now I realise that your PR problem is your daughter not with you.

OK....you may get some aXXhole IO at immigration asking you why you are returning.....just give them the facts and stand your ground.

Not sure where you are applying from but I had more hassle with Montreal than Vancouver. If you are coming back, try and avoid Montreal immigration.

Get an internal from anywhere but Montreal....LOL....you only have to answer the IO's questions once....and Vancouver is by far the nicest immigration I ever dealt with.

Land in Van, transfer internally to wherever you are going. Should have zero problem.

Karen1203

Thanks and to everyone for their comments and advice. I am flying into Toronto, trying to book a flight for Tuesday - fingers crossed!

Gales2Canada

Hi Karen1203

We have been in Canada for 3 years on TWP's and have had to travel when things were not ideal.

Recently we went to the boarder to do a 'Flagpole Run' to get new TWP's and the Immigration officer was very helpful in explaining that if you are open and honest and very upfront with all the information which could possibly be asked for then there is usually no problem. He said that there are so many people who should not even be in the Country at all, that someone in your circumstances who is trying to do things 'by the book' should be seen as genuine by any IO.

My advice is to take every piece of evidence you have (Inc open WP!!) as well as marriage cert, proof of funds if you have them, any documentation relevant to your PR application, medicals.......anything you can think of so that any IO can see you are not trying to hide anything, you have evidence to back up any questions you may be asked

and

Relax!!

My 2 girls (12 & 14) just came back from UK to Toronto, Passport control were horrid to them but IO was very friendly and helpful - we obtained new WP's while they were in UK so it appeared to Passport control that they were out of status but they showed photocopy of our WP's and IO was happy!!

Good luck

Hope all goes well.

Aviator

That's going to land you in one place only. Give them the facts and appeal to their better nature. If you have problems, explain the problem and ask for help. If that fails ask for the supervisor.

Get snarky or try and stand firm... this is not a customer service rep in a store.

Good luck, hope it goes smoothly for you.

BristolUK

Isn't that a somewhat limited definition?

A press release from when the rules changed to allow spouses to remain in Canada while PR was ongoing said
So the minister said it was to address possible hardship if a separation might cause hardship rather than not being able to leave Canada.

Karen1203

Thank you, I'm not really a very snarky type person anyway

I really appreciate the advice and will let you know how I get on tomorrow.

Karen1203

Delighted to say I am back home in Canada

Customs went very well .... I got into Toronto and passport control was packed - have to admit I was terrified ... I walked along the back of the hall and tried to weigh up which was the least intimidating looking officer!

Anyway I got to the front of the long line ...

"What reason are you visiting Canada?"

I am coming to stay with my husband, who lives and works here.

"How long has he worked in Canada?"

All his working life, he is Canadian.

"When was the last time were are in Canada?"

3 weeks ago.

The officer then looked through my passport for the last stamp which was October 2007.

I explained I was here for a long time as I have a PR application that is still in process, at AIP stage and that I have an open work permit.

"When does your work permit expire?"

January 2011

Fine, I hope your PR application doesn't take too much longer.

PHEW!!

I don't take lightly my decision to take such a risk, and wouldn't recommend doing it to anyone - I think I was very lucky.

Thanks again for the support and kind words - hopefully my PR doesn't take too much longer!

Karen

Aviator

Welcome home