Can I apply to stay 6mo before I get to the border?

[BostonGirl]

I would like to visit my fiance for 6 mo this fall.
We are not planning to get married during that time.
To avoid getting turned down at the border and having to fly 3000mi
back to Boston, is there a way to get permission to visit before hand?

 

[iarblue]

Your visa exempt right,just go to the border once your there they will by good chance give you 6 month stay just be totally honest and well prepared.Bring copies of your PR app.and tell them you understand the law that if you are not approved before you visa expires you have to leave or apply for an extension.Be honest and show you are aware of the law.

 

[BostonGirl]

I do not have a PR app.
I only want to visit him for 6mo.

He plans to come here spring of 2011 and marry me, then we will be filing for
PR status and all that.

 

[iarblue]

Ok so explain that.Be honest and know the law of the visa impress him.

 

[journeyman]

I don't want to discourage you, but last year my partner, now husband tried to come into Canada by arriving at the border, with me, and asking for a 6 month visa while waiting for our sponsership application. After 3 hours of interrogation, he was refused and he had to sign a form stating that he was choosing to withdraw his application to come into Canada voluntarily. Doing this meant that nothing would appear on his record, so that we could proceed with the sponsorship application without a penalty period. We then had to turn around and drive back to his home (12 hours each way).

We asked at that time if he would be able to visit occasionally, even if not for a 6 month visa period. The answer was something to the effect of (I don't remember it word for word) "good luck trying to convince a border officer to let you in until the PR process is complete".

That was our experience.

Since then I have had to do all the travelling and am currently waiting for approval on spousal sponsorship submitted this April.

 

[BostonGirl]

I am not in the process of applying for anything at the moment.

Just want to visit him for a while.

 

[iarblue]

well you can apply for the temporary visa but they will ask for the same info a border crossing would ask for its just that applying before hand costs money.But yes go onto the website go under visiting canada and apply.it takes a bit of time to get approved or not approved.
But like i said if you want to just show up at the border then do so be very honest know the laws of a visit.like you have to leave after your visa is up or you can apply for an extension,it all depends on your knowledge and who you get at the booth but at the airport they seem to be a bit more understanding than at the borders driving in.

 

[journeyman]

I think iarblue is right. They do seem to go easier on you if you are flying vs. driving across the border. But it really does come down to the person who questions you. There are no guarantees, whether you just show up or apply in advance. I have had some "close calls" going the other way (Canada-US) both at the airport and crossing by car. The questions can sometimes get very involved and personal. So far, I have not been turned back, but there have been a couple of times that I wondered if I would. It seems that once you say you are visiting a boyfriend/girlfriend or partner, bells go off and sometimes the interviewer goes into "overdrive". But lying and just saying friend could bring further trouble down the road. It just really depends on who you get, if they are on a "closer inspection" day and any number of variables.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

 

[iarblue]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-how.asp

 

[nyssa]

I have visited Canada 4 times since we've seperated. 1st time I said "friend", 2nd "boyfriend" (wedding trip in October) and the last 2 times "husband". I haven't had any problems. I've been flying from the US to Canada all those times. I think flying is definitely easier. They never even asked for my return ticket, proof, nothing. Just why am I visiting, how long, how long have my husband and I been married, "have a good trip". In and out.

My plan in October-ish is to visit but stay for the 6 months or when my application is complete. I do not want to bring anything to their attention considering I've never had a problem thus far. I've only recently seen information about a visitor record, but I've heard too many hit-or-miss stories...

 

[sbwv09]

I've been across numerous times, always driving. Last summer I spent three months in Canada.. brought the cat and a whole bunch of clothes and stuff (filled the car!). I was waved through without a second thought. I"m a teacher so the 'summer break' thing seems to work out well, but just be prepared to show strong ties to the US, like a lease for your home, a job you have to get back to, etc.