Advice for a long stay as a visitor

[Alkatell]

Hello everybody,

I am going to Canada as a visitor in a month and I have a few questions about my entry.
I am amercian, so I know americans are visa exempt.

To make a long story short, my girlfriend is studying in Ottawa for the year and I want to spend as much time as possible with her overthere.
I have enough money to live for a year without any income, my criminal record is blank, never had any problem with anyone, I am in perfect health etc...

So my question is, as I meet all the requierements to go to Canada as a visitor, am I sure I will be able to get a 6 month visa or are there any reasons that could come up and prevent me from having it?
I would really appreciate your help because all over the internet, the answers are always different...

Thank you very much and have a good day!

 

[scylla]

First of all, you're not allowed to "move" to Canada. You're only allowed to visit. Saying or looking like you're moving is a reason people are sometimes refused entry. So definitely do not show up with all of your possessions packed in your car. Pack like a visitor. Anything a visitor wouldn't normally take you should leave at home.

To answer your question - no, there is no guarantee you will be allowed in for six months. You should be. But whether you are or not is up to the immigration officer you encounter at the border. As mentioned above, if the officer suspect you have plans on remaining in Canada long term, there's always some change you might only be granted a short visit or (rare) refused entry completely.

To increase your chances of getting the full six months you should ensure you don't pack or talk like you're moving (as mentioned above), be able to show you have sufficient funds to pay for your visit, and ideally demonstrate that you have some kind of ties to the US (e.g. property, assets, job, etc.). I assume showing a job will be out for you since you're planning on leaving for quite some time. So being able to show other types of proof is a good idea.

 

[scylla]

Just to add... Make sure you purchase travel insurance to cover yourself in case of an emergency. You won't be covered by the health care system in Canada.

 

[Pina Colada]

My advice is, while crossing the border answering CBSA's question, NEVER use the term "MOVE". "Move" could mean you gonna live in canada for good, thus not showing your willingness of returning home after 6 months or so.
Just say you gonna visit.

 

[Alkatell]

Hello and thank you very much for the answers!

You are right, I used the word "move" but I know I shouldn't use it when I talk with the officer. I didn't pay attention

For the packing, I will obviously have 2 big suitcases as I want to be there for a moment (There will mostly be clothes in it + my computer and a bit of computer stuff), do you think this could really prevent them from giving me what I want? :/
And yes, I will have a very good health insurance!

Thanks again

 

[bloppe]

Hello everybody,

I am going to Canada as a visitor in a month and I have a few questions about my entry.
I am amercian, so I know americans are visa exempt.

To make a long story short, my girlfriend is studying in Ottawa for the year and I want to spend as much time as possible with her overthere.
I have enough money to live for a year without any income, my criminal record is blank, never had any problem with anyone, I am in perfect health etc...

So my question is, as I meet all the requierements to go to Canada as a visitor, am I sure I will be able to get a 6 month visa or are there any reasons that could come up and prevent me from having it?
I would really appreciate your help because all over the internet, the answers are always different...

Thank you very much and have a good day!

Hello,
I might be mistaken, but I dont think so, if you cross the border using ground transportation, your passport doesnt get stamped at the custom, only air.
So as long as you are saying you are going to visit some friends, you wont even have to come back until you are ready.
Of course you wont be able to work or use health care, so get good medical insurance and enjoy your year