Do You Really Need to Submit within 30 Days of Expiration?

[jimbob88]

Hey all,

I'm going through an immigration lawyer to extend my six month visitor visa up to (hopefully) two years. She says that the true deadline for applications is one day before your visa expires, but the immigration website says 'You should apply 30 days before your status expires'.

It seems ridiculous to doubt to word of an immigration lawyer on this, but I keep getting scared by the idea that she might somehow be wrong, even though she seems very nice and completely competent. Just anxiety I suppose, but can someone confirm this for me?

 

[scylla]

Lawyer is right. As long as your application is received by CIC before your current status expires - you're good. Info on CIC web site is a guideline only.

 

[akbardxb]

If you check the current timelines, they are processing extension in 50 days as of now. So if you apply on the last day and they take 2 months to process. Even if CIC decline, she has 30 days to exit. So effectively you have got a three month extension in any case.

What exactly is the role of the lawyer in getting the extension ? I suppose she can have not help in drafting the letter of explanation.

 

[jimbob88]

Thanks guys! They should really make it more clear on the immigration site that the 30 day thing isn't so important. The way it's worded and emphasised makes it seem like a definite rule.

As for the role of the lawyer, just to make sure everything runs smoothly. I feel better working with her since I'm applying for a two-year extension. If I just wanted 6 months, I'd do it myself.

She says my chances are good. I'm English (with British Passport), have family plus business registered in the UK, and I earn plenty each month. I work remotely for British and American companies, so it's all good with the visitor visa. I guess the issue is that they might think I want to settle here, but I just want a chance to see more of what Canada has to offer. Anyone here like to rate my chances?

The fee seems quite high, but I feel it's worth it. I really want to have another two years here (been here since July 1st) so I can explore the country more, and if I went without the lawyer and got rejected I'd always kick myself wondering if that was the reason.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

As for the role of the lawyer, just to make sure everything runs smoothly. I feel better working with her since I'm applying for a two-year extension. If I just wanted 6 months, I'd do it myself.

She says my chances are good. I'm English (with British Passport), have family plus business registered in the UK, and I earn plenty each month. I work remotely for British and American companies, so it's all good with the visitor visa. I guess the issue is that they might think I want to settle here, but I just want a chance to see more of what Canada has to offer. Anyone here like to rate my chances?

Even for a person with a strong reason to be in Canada, such as a Canadian spouse or a PR app processing, requesting 2 years is a big stretch. Having a lawyer isn't going to increase your chances.

 

[jimbob88]

I was thinking maybe if I underscored that I wanted to be here for tourism? After all, I'd be bringing money into the country and not taking any out.

 

[jimbob88]

Other lawyer said: 'Yes, you can seek a longer term visitor permit but the visa officer will need assurances as to your income, purpose, etc.'

 

[Bs65]

I was thinking maybe if I underscored that I wanted to be here for tourism? After all, I'd be bringing money into the country and not taking any out.

tourism for 2 years would be a big stretch i think to even show any tourist itinerary so be prepared to get just 6 months extension given 2 years sort of implies you would be living in the country not just visiting doing tourist things regardless of whether your work income is offshore. Also as a visitor you are not entitled to any health care benefits so keep that in mind as well.

 

[jimbob88]

This is all rather worrying. The lawyer said they could reply just giving me a year. Think that's likely?

 

[jimbob88]

Also, can you apply for another extension after one ends. If I get a six month extension, can I then apply for another one at the end of it?

 

[scylla]

Also, can you apply for another extension after one ends. If I get a six month extension, can I then apply for another one at the end of it?

Sure - you can apply for another one. Whether it will be approved is anyone's guess.

I would not ask for a two year extension - I think that will end in refusal since it will be clear you're trying to live in Canada without the proper authorization. Sure- they could come back with a shorter period of time. However asking for such an outrageous extension length is likely to just draw undue attention to your application and increase the changes of a flat out refusal (IMO). Saying you want two years for tourism purposes isn't going to fly.

 

[jimbob88]

Hmm. You think the lawyers who said it was possible are just trying to feather their nests?

 

[jimbob88]

This is all so confusing. Originally I approached a few lawyers with the idea of asking for a year instead of six months, and it was them who told me it would be best to apply for two years and hope for either that length or a little shorter.

A year would be fine, tbh; I'd love to be here for one full summer season and one winter. I'm honestly not just trying to stay forever, but I'm enjoying the freedom to stay in different places before I settle down, and I've previously stayed for long periods in Australia (with the proper visa), Germany, and Italy.

Do you suppose I would be better off asking for a year instead?

 

[jimbob88]

Sorry for another question.

Do you know when the extension starts? If I apply on December 30th and get the extension confirmed on February 30th, which one of those would my six months (or whatever) start from?

 

[spokas]

Hi. I would rather trust the official CIC information what they say. I was exactly like you, I came here as a visitor to visit my boyfriend and to travel within Canada, i been here for 6 months and wanted to extend my stay. Even tho CIC says "apply at least 30 days before" i read this forum and i saw all the people saying "1 day before status expires is enough" so I trusted them and applied a week before my status expired. My application was refused and the reason was "your application was not submitted on time". So, apply at least 30 days before your status expires otherwise you could have same problem as I did