Building a house on a Visitor Visa; Need advice

[Jazzzzz]

Hello friends,

I'm looking for some advice from anyone that has experience buying land and building a house on it whilst on a Visitor Visa.

My plan is to buy land and build a cabin over the course of 2-3 summers (6 months at a time) while on a visitor visa.
I will be applying for residency at some stage, and hope to have that by the time it's built.

My concerns are with re-entering Canada every 6 months. Do I tell them what I'm doing at the border? or is it best to leave that part out.
I'm interested if there's other people out there that spend half a year in Canada every year, and if they have had any trouble getting a 6 month visa every time? And what do you say your reason is for visiting every time?

Thanks!
Jazz

 

[scylla]

Your plan is problematic since CBSA may view this as working in Canada without authorization (although you're doing it on your own property and obviously won't be getting paid). I wouldn't mention what you're doing at the border (just say you're a seasonal visitor) and avoid bringing any tools, equipment or materials to Canada with you (buy/rent everything in Canada and leave it in Canada when you go).