American Visiting Montreal for 6 Months URGENT

[jofacto]

Bonjour/Hello!

I'm a 24 year old American looking to visit Montreal for the 6 month visitor limit. I visited this month, and have fallen in love with the city. I have a few questions with the process, and request some insight as to the correct way to go about the process.

1. I'm planning on quitting my job in finance here in the states, and living there for the 6 month limit. I have savings to live off of, and have no intention of staying longer than the allotted time illegally. May I run into issues at the boarder? Does anyone have experience with this? Any suggestions? What's an acceptable amount of luggage to bring as a visitor?

2. I've been looking for a furnished place to stay for the duration of my stay (sublet or unsublet, it doesn't matter), am I legally allowed to lease a place as an American visitor? Cost of living for an apt in the McGill Ghetto, or a decent part of the city?

3. What would be a comfortable amount of cash to have on hand for a 6 month period in MTL? Including the expenses it'll take for rent, utilities, entertainment, etc? 1.5k USD per month? More? Less?

4. For work, I have a tech start up idea that I'll be looking to start, and incorporate in my home state. I'll also begin soliciting work as a freelance software developer for prospective clients in the states. I have NO plans on seeking employment, or clients in QC. Is it legal to run an American business from Canada? What precautions should I take to ensure compliance? This seems to be a real 'grey area' from what I've researched.

I'm doing this because I love the city, the diverse culture, and overall people in MTL. It's everything I want in a city. I want to see if relocation would be well suited. 6 Months is a good time to get a feel for a city, and see if I can survive the harsh winter (which I'm not exactly used to, as I've lived in the mild-moderate Baltimore, MD my entire life).

*It's nearing the end of May, and I'd like to make this happen by late July to mid August. I appreciate any help, guidance, or anecdotes anyone has with this particular situation. You all are the best, in advance!

***Side Note***
-I know French is the primary language, and I've begun to study the language. I also met a beautiful native Canadian woman, who is more than happy to help me learn along the way . After all, the best way to learn is through immersion!... Right?

-I've also applied to a certificate program at an Anglo University McGill. I haven't been accepted into the program yet, and cannot apply for student visa until I hear of my acceptance. Ultimately admission into a degree program is the goal, but that won't likely happen until the 2014 school year. If accepted into the certificate program, is it possible to apply for for a student visa while visiting?

Merci/Thank you!!

 

[scylla]

I'll help with a few answers.

Entry into Canada is never guaranteed. Most Americans are allowed in without any issues. But once in a while they are refused entry or only allowed in for a shorter period of time (i.e. not the full six months). In case you run into issues at the border, you should have information with you that demonstrates you have strong ties to the US and have no plans on staying in Canada long term. Being able to prove you have a job would be ideal. You obviously won't be able to do this. So have several of the following would be good: proof of property ownership, proof of property rental, proof of assets held in the US, proof of school enrollment, proof of business being run in the US.

As for packing, don't bring anything that makes it look like you are coming to Canada to live here (you're not allowed to do that). So avoid furniture, appliances, dishes, etc. Don't bring pets (people who are coming on vacation generally don't bring pets). And don't bring a ton of clothes (a couple of suitcases at most).

$1.5K / month + credit card sounds fine to me.

You can certainly lease a place. It will be more difficult for you to find one since you don't want it for a full year and aren't a resident. But it's doable. I'd focus on sublets.

 

[amikety]

Depending on your education and work experience, you might also be able to qualify for a NAFTA work visa. It would allow you to work legally in Canada and possibly aid you in qualifying for permanent immigration. During your 6 month stay, you can search for a job - just do it quietly. Also, don't tell the IO you're interested in a NAFTA visa. They will not let you in!

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/special-business.asp

For leasing, look at www.kijiji.com. They have furnished rooms for rent and short term rentals.

To get a study permit, your course will have to be 6 months or more. It's supposed to be full time as well, but I have heard of people getting approved for just language classes. You'll also need to show tuition upfront for 1 year plus 10K of living expenses. If it's 6 months or less, you can take the program without a study permit (and need the show all that funding ahead of time).

 

[jofacto]

I appreciate your response scylla; that all sounds reasonable.

I don't have any applications or pets, so I think I should be set there. I'll aim to limit my belongings to two suitcases, and maybe a book bag. How about books? I'll likely bring a few books for leisure, and potentially 5-6 textbooks. Would that be ok?

Also, are you aware of the determining factor in them deciding to allow the maximum 6 months?

Thanks again!

 

[jofacto]

Thanks amikety!

That's a thought. I've also seen the start-up visa category, but that's new so there isn't much information on the processing time.

And I'll remain incognito, if I decide to look for employment while I'm there. 8)

$10k for living expenses as a student? Would that have to be in the form of a bank account statement? How about loan approvals?

Thanks for the links as well.

 

[amikety]

Loans are fine, but you have to have available to show CIC, as in pre-approved, etc. If the school is Title 9 approved (some Canadian schools are), you might be able to use Federal Loans as well.

The start-up visa programs (so far) have required a substantial investment, usually several hundred thousand dollars, and have had insanely long waiting times. Probably not the best way to go! Hopefully CIC will come out with better programs in the future.