US Citizen visiting Canada questions

[teamduckie]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen, and my partner is a US citizen. We were hoping to have her come here and live with me as a visitor for 6 months and extend if it goes well but had some concerns after doing some research:

1) She is unemployed and has moved around a few times in the past year, including staying at a parent's house to help take care of them and is currently living at a friend's place. The intent is for me to provide for her during her stay. Will this cause issues regarding getting entry for 6 months?
2) What can we do to have her best prepared when questioned by border agents? Are there documents that would help her case in getting in?
3) Is it better to have a return flight? (if it goes well we would be applying to extend the stay in hopes for common-law after a year) Is this something we should tell the border agents?

Thanks very much in advance

 

[canuck78]

Hello,

I am a Canadian citizen, and my partner is a US citizen. We were hoping to have her come here and live with me as a visitor for 6 months and extend if it goes well but had some concerns after doing some research:

1) She is unemployed and has moved around a few times in the past year, including staying at a parent's house to help take care of them and is currently living at a friend's place. The intent is for me to provide for her during her stay. Will this cause issues regarding getting entry for 6 months?
2) What can we do to have her best prepared when questioned by border agents? Are there documents that would help her case in getting in?
3) Is it better to have a return flight? (if it goes well we would be applying to extend the stay in hopes for common-law after a year) Is this something we should tell the border agents?

Thanks very much in advance

Yes this could be an issue if she is questioned by CBSA. CBSA typically wants to see ties to your home country (employment, property ownership/rental, dependent family members, etc.) and your ability to fund your own visit. The fact that she is a US citizen decreases the likelihood of being questioned so that helps. Would strongly encourage purchasing a return ticket given the weak profile. Also 6 months is not guaranteed. It is up to 6 months and 6 months is the default if not otherwise specified.