Flying to Canada to marry -- questions about Customs

[Benni]

I hope I don't seem to be beating this subject to death, but I'm really concerned/nervous about going through customs in Toronto airport.

As some of you know, I'm flying to B's in April to get married, then apply for Permanent Residency to Canada while I'm there for 90 days.

My concern is: I've gotten conflicting info about what to say to Customs when I arrive in Toronto.

Some have said "Don't say you're coming to get married, you may get denied entry."
Others have said "Don't lie! Tell them you are coming to get married."

So, I don't know what to say!
And, if I do omit the fact that I'm coming to get married, will Customs question me as to why I have so many documents in my suitcase?

(The documents are needed to apply for Permanent Residency after we marry.)

[Tooki]

I know that with documents, I HIGHLY HIGHLY doubt that you'll get asked about them if you're not being searched.

For all Canadian Immigration knows, the documents could be your uni homework or work-related forms. I've taken lots of papers with me on my travels, including books and loose paper.

[Benni]

Thanks Tooki! That does make me feel better.

Now, I just have to figure out whether to mention the marriage or just say I'm visiting my boyfriend -- like I did the last 2 times.
I don't want to get in trouble for lying to them (leaving out the facts).

[leonsfangirl]

I told the customs guy in Calgary I was getting married. didn't bother him, his concern was if my ex (kids father) knew we were there and consented. You should be ok.

[lucybelle]

Never lie, but don't answer questions they don't ask.

What are your purposes in Canada?
Visiting a friend and traveling.

That is 100% true. If they say "are you getting married here?" then you would need to say "yes". But if they don't ask, you don't have to answer. See what I'm saying?

[Benni]

Gotcha! Thanks bunches!!

[MissButterfly]

I agree with Lucybelle. It will all depend on if they ask specifically. I don't know about Canada, but when I went to the US last summer I said 'I'm visiting my boyfriend' and then he asked 'Are you getting married on this trip?' Mind you, I was 19 at the time, so the question came as a shock to me I doubt you'd get in trouble though, if you're just honest and can provide all the papers that you'd need.

[Benni]

Thanks! It's just that I've read some posts, on other sites, where they were denied entry when they said they were coming to get married. So, I'm nervous about that.

[BabyGund]

I don't even mention a boyfriend. "I'm visiting friends and yes, the gift is me and my presence, because I'm all that" Not one customs officer has ever failed to crack a smile at that.

[Benni]

Hahahahaaha!! Good one!

B's friend emailed me a while ago and had this to say:

If they ask if you're coming to get married, just reply with "We are going to discuss it, plus see if we get along well enough during my 90 day visit, then we'll see from there.
That way you are not lying because you ARE going to discuss it -- you didn't know that you both would decide to go ahead and marry now!"

Makes sense to me!