American Visitor Montreal Urgent!

[jofacto]

Hello!

I have a few questions in regard to the visitor process for Americans. So I visited montreal for the first time back in May, 2013. Met a girl, started dating, planned to go to a wedding together in July, broke up a few days before, but I decided to come enjoy myself anyway.. Anyways, this time when coming into Montreal, I was sent to immigration after being rudely questioned by the first representative (apparently traveling alone is suspicious? No sense of adventure?)...

Back on topic- The immigration official was actually very nice, and reasonable. I gave them basic info, I'm employed, visiting the city, staying at X, leaving on Y date, etc. He stamped my passport, but also hand wrote "V____2", or possibly "L____2"? What does this mean? I didn't even think to ask at the time, which I now regret.

I'm leaving on my expected date, because I have to return to work, but I was planning on "visiting" for about 4-6 months in September (found a roommate, no lease needed). I'm possibly coming to university for the winter term (doesn't technically require study permit or CAQ because the studies don't last more than 6 months, right?), but I'm worried they will further interrogate me on my 3rd trip...

What info should I expect to show the border official in September? Can I just say I'm visiting Montreal for a few months before my studies? And how much luggage can I bring without appearing overly suspicious? Can I get personal things shipped to myself? It would only be clothing, shoes, and books; things of that nature. I have a full time job currently, but will resign from that particular company. I will begin freelancing as a writer, but I do not have the intention of seeking employment in Canada, at all. I'd have about $15k in savings to live off of for a bit until freelancing takes off. The rent is only $600, so I'd say that's a pretty decent amount to work with?

I've fallen in love with the Montreal, and want to fully experience the city. In other words, I don't want to be refused entry.

Any and all help is appreciated! Thanks!

-Jonathan

 

[scylla]

As a visitor, you're allowed to visit Canada but not live here. If you start behaving like you're living here, it can land you in trouble when you're crossing the border. I think there are unfortunately a few red flags in your case. If you follow your plan, you're going to be spending a great deal of time in Canada within a 12 month period. That makes it look like you're trying to "live" here - which you're not allowed to do.

The fact you've already been pulled into secondary once typically increases the chances it may happen again. The fact you have money to fund your stay is good - the fact that you have no job in the US (i.e. lack ties) is bad. The fact you're going to be renting a place in Montreal screams "living in Canada" (rather than just visiting). I would NOT mention this when you cross the border. Huge red flag IMO. I would also not mention the studies. Saying that you're coming for 4-6 months and then planning to study for another 6 months after that is again not the behaviour of a true visitor - it's the behaviour of someone who is trying to spend most of their time in Canada.

Is there any chance your studies will be longer than six months? For example, are you planning on taking one semester of studies at a university or college and then depending on how that does - possibly extend your studies to obtain a diploma or degree? If so, get a study permit for the six month.

In the end, there is absolutely nothing you can do to guarantee that you will be allowed to enter Canada. I think coming for 4-6 months in September after having already spend quite a bit of time in Canada this year and then expecting that you'll be able to come for another six months in January is a lot of time in this country. You'll definitely be spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada. I think you should expect there might be problems at the border and have a plan B in case you are refused entry or only allowed in for a short period of time. If you want to increase your chance of being allowed in, you need to show ties to the US (i.e. job, assets, property, etc.). So far what you have mentioned in your post are ties to Canada (place to rent, school).

 

[jofacto]

That you very much for your reply, Scylla. I think a better option may be for me to study in Montreal for one academic term. I'd be "visiting" from August to late December early January. During this time, will take a few undergraduate, and French courses, an once the fall semester is over, I plan to attend a university I've been accepted in New York (it looks good to study abroad when applying for graduate school). I still have the option to sublet a place in Montreal, without having to sign a lease. Would this suffice with the border official? If I'm able to show enrollment at a Montreal university for one term, and admission into a college in the states?

Also, I had planned on flying into YUL, and catching the bus to New York when the time comes, to cut back on expenses. The bus ticket is typically only available for purchase closer to the time you'll be traveling, would this be ok? As I wouldn't have a return ticket.

Would you recommend requesting a shorter duration, and just hope they give a 6 month stamp? Or be 1000% truthful in my intention to stay for the fall term, which is about 5 months? Again, I have around 12-15k in savings, so money is not in issue.

Lastly, luggage wise, how much should I bring? If you can imagine, I'll have a number of items I'd need for that duration. Nothing out of the ordinary; warm clothes, tech for school, medication, a few books, etc. would that be ok ?

Thank you for your guidance.
-Jo

 

[jofacto]

Scully? Scully? *queue X-Files them music.. :-X