HOW TO CROSS THE BORDER FOR YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY

Getting married in Canada to a Canadian citizen? If you mention this as the reason for entering Canada, the officer at the port of entry may not be satisfied that your stay in Canada is of a temporary nature and you could be refused entry into the country. How, then, is it possible to be allowed into Canada for your wedding ceremony? Following are some helpful tips that can increase your chances of being allowed into Canada and get married.

1) Show strong ties to your home country: Any person who wants to get a visitor visa to Canada must provide evidence that they have strong ties to return to their home country. You have to do the same. You should bring with you enough documents to show officers at the point-of-entry that you have to leave Canada. These include a letter from work stating you need to return, proof of a house/apartment where you live, and financial information. Carry phone numbers of persons who can verify your information (most importantly, your employer). Try and travel on a day when they would be able to answer the phone. Officers at the point-of-entry may ask you why you are getting married in Canada and not where you live or somewhere else.
2) The shorter, the better: If your plan was to come to Canada, get married, and spend 3 months in the country, chances are that officers at the point-of-entry will be suspicious with your intent as a visitor. On the other hand, you can help your case by showing you will get married and leave within a week or two.
3) Avoid the U-Haul: If you are entering Canada as a visitor it is not advisable to bring all your belongings when you come in. Only bring what you would need for the visit.
4) Don’t pretend you don’t know about the sponsorship: Chances are that if you are getting married to a Canadian citizen, you know something about the sponsorship process. It is best to be proactive and acknowledge the fact. Just make sure you say that you are just coming for the ceremony and, along with your documents, show that you need to return to your home country.
5) You don’t need a six-month stay: Normally, a visitor to Canada is allowed a six-month stay in the country. If you just want to get married, you have to be willing to accept a shorter stay in the country.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that the officer at the point-of-entry can have concerns about the purpose of your trip. These tips are intended to help you ease the officer’s concerns but are no guarantee.