Can I live in Canada as a visitor?

[bylander]

Hi, I would like to hear some thoughts on my situation. I am a US citizen. I am a professional online poker player. A couple years ago online poker sites stopped allowing players in the US to play due to US laws. Many pros, myself included, have been coming to Canada to continue playing online poker.

What I want to know is can I continue coming to Canada as a visitor to play online poker for the foreseeable future? My plan would be to spend 5-6 months in Canada, return home to the US for a couple weeks, then go back to Canada for another 5-6 months, and continue to repeat the process. I am no threat to work or study in Canada, I make $500k+/year and always show my proof of funds to the immigration officer. I will not be a burden on Canada's health care. I have my own US health insurance.

I know immigration's biggest concerns with visitors is whether they are coming to work, study, or take advantage of the health care. I am no threat to any of these. However, I would basically be living in Canada and it seems immigration could find that problematic.

I know no one can give me a definitive answer, but I would like to hear some thoughts as to whether you think its possible for me to do this or if there is no way it will be allowed.

 

[steaky]

You can extend your visit:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/-t182089.0.html

 

[scylla]

Visitors are not allowed to live in Canada. They are only allowed to visit temporarily.

There is no black and white answer with regards to whether you will continue to be allowed into Canada. Whether you are allowed in or not each time you try to enter Canada is up to the individual immigration officer you encounter. That officer will be looking to see that you are in fact a genuine visitor. If you start spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada, then immigration may find this problematic since you will be acting like you live in Canada and there's a chance they could only approve a short visit or even deny you entry. It's also possible you will have no issues. Again, it all depends on the immigration officer.

The short answer is that it might be possible for you to continue visiting Canada for the foreseeable future. However the more time you spend in Canada and the longer you make this your primary residence, the greater the chances become that immigration won't like what you're doing and will force you to stop. Like you said, there's no definitive answer.

 

[user828]

Hi, I would like to hear some thoughts on my situation. I am a US citizen. I am a professional online poker player. A couple years ago online poker sites stopped allowing players in the US to play due to US laws. Many pros, myself included, have been coming to Canada to continue playing online poker.

What I want to know is can I continue coming to Canada as a visitor to play online poker for the foreseeable future? My plan would be to spend 5-6 months in Canada, return home to the US for a couple weeks, then go back to Canada for another 5-6 months, and continue to repeat the process. I am no threat to work or study in Canada, I make $500k+/year and always show my proof of funds to the immigration officer. I will not be a burden on Canada's health care. I have my own US health insurance.

I know immigration's biggest concerns with visitors is whether they are coming to work, study, or take advantage of the health care. I am no threat to any of these. However, I would basically be living in Canada and it seems immigration could find that problematic.

I know no one can give me a definitive answer, but I would like to hear some thoughts as to whether you think its possible for me to do this or if there is no way it will be allowed.

Man, I'll pick your brains on the game. I admire your talent - you actually make that much ( or rather confident you make that much by playing hours everyday )

 

[bylander]

What about the 10 year temporary resident visa? Is this something I can apply for? Or is it only for people coming from countries that need a visa to visit Canada?

 

[scylla]

There's really no point in applying for one.

It doesn't actually let you visit longer or more often than your US passport does. You can still be refused entry into Canada even if you have a 10 year TRV - and individual trips are still limited to six months.

In other words, if you get a 10 year TRV you'll still be in the same situation as you are now - you'll just have spent money to get something you don't need.

 

[steler]

About your question I think what the other people already told you, it will depend in any individual time what the officer at the border decides.
But I have a question, why do you come to Canada to play? If I were you, I would live in one of the Caribbean Islands like Puerto Rico or Bahamas. You also have the option to live in the Canary Islands (for example), entering Europe they never ask you what in the Canadian border ask you. You have money then have fun 8)

 

[Ariful Islam]

Hi i am Bangladeshi. i heard that Canada is a peaceful country. However, I need to go to Canada. Will anybody be able to help me? My e-mail is asik.joti@yahoo.com and my phone number is +8801818660372.