Applying for a visitor's visa request for advice

[Oiler1]

Hi all,

I am going to have my girl friend for a visitor's visa.

I researched the CIC website as well as read some posts on message boards.

I sort of know the procedure a bit, but am not sure of all the things I have to do completely.

What should I put as the purpose of the trip on my letter of invitation?

She is coming to Canada to know how I live and to get a better idea of life here before marriage.

I do not think I would put that as the reason if she is single. However she is separated at the moment, so what can I put as the reason for coming so she has a better chance of being accepted?

She has a good job, an apartment and a car. I have no idea if this is enough.

What else can she put on the application to have a chance?

I know she will definitely go back. We cannot sneak off and get married anyway since she is not single.

Alternatively if we marry abroad, is it easier for her to visit me before she is accepted on a family class visa? How long does it usually take? She lives in China.

She wants to see Canada first before deciding, but we are both confused as what to do.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[poppyweise]

Hi,

1. Is this her first time coming in to Canada? This could be rather significant to the approval or refusal.

2. When I came here the first and second time (this time I was interviewed briefly by CBSA officer at entry), I told them the reason I am coming in to visit my boyfriend. Both times I got let in.

3. I did not have invitation letters for both times.

 

[Oiler1]

Hi,

1. Is this her first time coming in to Canada? This could be rather significant to the approval or refusal.

2. When I came here the first and second time (this time I was interviewed briefly by CBSA officer at entry), I told them the reason I am coming in to visit my boyfriend. Both times I got let in.

3. I did not have invitation letters for both times.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, it will be her first time. She never visited any foreign country before.

Still not sure if she will accepted.

 

[poppyweise]

Generally if it's the first time, she would be able to come through. But the general rules of a visitor visa still apply.

The Visa Officer will have to be satisfied at these questions:

1. Will she leave Canada after her stay?

2. Does she have enough funds to sustain her stay? (Medical fees, daily neccessities, etc.)

Prove to them that she has a strong ties with her family and home country, and financial support. I remember the CBSA officer asked where are all my family members, and I told them they were all back home. And he asked what if I broke up with my boyfriend (now husband), what would I do? I said I will leave Canada immediately. He let me through.

Good luck!