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Advice or anything that I need to know for a 6 month stay in Canada

Ant8586

Newbie
Jun 4, 2015
3
0
So on June 1, I embarked on a trip to visit my girlfriend in British Columbia after being together for almost two years (I live in Minnesota, US). This would have been my third time going there but the longest stayed duration as well, six months. I quit my job (on good terms), prepared for a wonderful adventure with my girlfriend. So June 1st, flight leaves, land in Seattle, took a greyhound bus that was going to take over the border where my girlfriend and her family were going to pick me up, and there I was denied access. I was devastated, scared, it was totally unforeseen. I wasn't prepared for this at all. Apparently I didn't have proof that I could support myself financially, didn't have proof that I have a reason to return, etc. As much as I was frustrated, sad and angry, I understand it was my fault for not researching this stuff. I stayed for a month the first time I went there last summer, which the custom agents told me should've never happened but it did. So I had two choices, I could attempt to enter which would force them to write a report that would prevent me attempting to reenter for a whole year or I could sign a waiver that I accept I am not being allowed access and to be escorted back over to American Customs. They said, normally they would have to write a report on me. But the fact I was being very honest with them, they could see I honestly didn't know I was suppose to offer proof to that stuff, and that I was sincere and respectful along with being devastated, they encouraged to sign the form so that as soon as I can, I can offer proof and be able to visit my girlfriend for that long stay.

Her family and my family are very supportive of us, her grandparents is writing a letter of invite for me, whom both are well connected to their communities. I am back home now, trying to figure out more stuff. Going to call the Canadian Consulate next week. We are shooting for August for me to go back there but this time have everything needed to be allowed entry. I was just wondering is there any advice or anything I should know that could help me out? Perhaps there are resources I could check out to better direct me and prepare me for crossing the border?
 

scylla

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Jun 8, 2010
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Given you were denied entry (allowed to withdraw your petition to enter Canada) - you can expect you'll be examined more closely the next time you enter Canada.

The next time you enter, you'll want t make sure you have proof of ties to the US (e.g. proof you are employed, proof of school enrollment/ tuition payment, proof you own or rent a residence, utility bills). You'll also want to show you have funds to pay for your stay. Basically you want to have a number of documents on hand that show you are only coming to Canada as a visitor and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term (or "living" in Canada).

I would also recommend you keep your next trip to a month or less. Arriving with plans to stay for six months makes it difficult to convince an officer you have any real ties to the US (especially after having been so recently denied entry). If you are allowed in for a short visit, you can always apply to extend your visit once in Canada.

I wouldn't bother calling the Canadian Consulate. Unlikely they will be of any help at all.

Good luck.
 

Ant8586

Newbie
Jun 4, 2015
3
0
Yeah, I have been thinking of maybe cutting the number of months down. 3 being the most. I just really want to be with her for a long period of time. Having to leave each other every time I go there is hard enough so making it the most of it is what we both really want.