Extending Stay for a Visitor

[Ryissa]

I've been working on finishing the last bits of my PR application, and my husband and I really want me to stay in Canada while it's getting approved. We thought we'd just file for an extension when it gets closer to the 180 days to make sure I can legally stay up here until that's all done and I get my PR card.

However when we both crossed into Canada from the US in early September, the customs agent didn't give me a stamp on my passport, and did not give me a visitor's record. I do have receipts from things I bought in the US earlier in the day, and then receipts from buying things in Canada that same day. Is that enough proof to say that I came into Canada then for the extension?

I'm also going to have to go back into the US for a doctor's appointment in November, and will keep having to do that every couple of months since I can't afford to pay out of pocket in Canada for docs and medications. I've got a couple questions regarding this:

- Will it mess up my extension if I have to go back after I apply?
- What would the date I entered Canada be for my immigration forms if I have to keep going back?
- Will I even need to apply for an extension if I keep re-entering Canada? Does the 180-day visitor's time period "reset" every time I do?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Creampop]

If you apply for an extension and cross into US that extension becomes null in void. Immigration knows when you entered the min your passport was swiped it was entered into the system. crossing 180 days will not require an extension. But, you do know that seeing a doctor and getting meds in Canada is alot cheaper then the states? I have high blood pressure and require meds to keep it under control. I pay $34.00 to see the doctor in Canada (my husbands doctor) my meds are also alot cheaper I was paying 24 bucks a months for them in the states up here I get a 3 month supply for 25 bucks. Good Luck!

 

[Ryissa]

Unfortunately I did the math and it's way cheaper to go back to the States in my case. It's $65+ to see a doctor in this area, and one of my medications alone costs around $70 up here. I take 6 total, and one doesn't even exist in Canada (I'll have to discuss with my doc what to do about that issue). I pay about $2.60 for generic and something like $6 for brand name in the States. Even with the cost of travel factored in, I'm still saving a lot of money going back. Plus well, if I need anything else while I'm down there (household supplies and all) I can pick things up for a better price, heh.

I'm pretty confused about the length of stay still. Do I really need to do anything at all? IOs have given me SO much trouble in the past I really want to minimize the chances for them to pick a fight with me. Thought a piece of paper would help to make crossing easier, but I'm not sure I'll need it if I keep having to go back?

Heh, this is going to be a tough wait for my PR card to come in.

 

[Creampop]

Since your from the US only thing I can think of is a nexus card that will make crossing any easier. I feel your pain I was crossing for 13 years and with 2 small children I know hassle got myself 3 red-flags in the process. Just take everything you can... marriage certificate, proof you have PR pending (receipt for fee's being paid, sponsorship approval letter etc...) have hubby with you if possible let them know that you are traveling back and forth until you get your PR visa for doctor appointment etc... hopefully you will get lucky! Good Luck!

http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

 

[Ryissa]

Yeah, I actually had hubby with me last time we came back up and we got zero hassle. I was prepared for the opposite since I got red-flagged the time before. Then again, that time I had my maiden name and this recent time my passport had my married name.

How long do red flags last?

I actually started a Nexus pass a couple years ago, but stopped for some reason. I want to say it was because of a lack of information about certain aspects of my past and the like. I'll have to take a look at it again cause it really may help out.

 

[Creampop]

red-flags never leave your passport, I was told that I could fill out forms etc and did so but then a few crossings later when I asked how long it would take the IO told me that they are always there and it is up to the IO in the booth if s/he wants to send you in or not... I'm just glad I won't have to do this anymore its been 7 years since my 1st red-flag and in that time I prolly was only let across without going in the 2 times my husband was with me.

 

[Ryissa]

Thanks for the info. I really do wonder if I've got a completely fresh start since both my passport and EDL have completely new names and numbers. I feel like I got some "get out of jail free" card with this since the EDL with my maiden name was flagged. You bet I'll do everything in my power to keep the red flags away!

A bit off-topic from my original questions, but could I get fingerprints for my FBI background check from a police station in Canada or would I have to get someone in the US to do it? That's one of my last things I need to do before I schedule a doctor's appointment and send in all my papers.

 

[amikety]

Thanks for the info. I really do wonder if I've got a completely fresh start since both my passport and EDL have completely new names and numbers. I feel like I got some "get out of jail free" card with this since the EDL with my maiden name was flagged. You bet I'll do everything in my power to keep the red flags away!

A bit off-topic from my original questions, but could I get fingerprints for my FBI background check from a police station in Canada or would I have to get someone in the US to do it? That's one of my last things I need to do before I schedule a doctor's appointment and send in all my papers.

You can get them done in Canada. If your local police station doesn't do them, someone will provide the service in the area. I took a print out of the FBI card with me, but the company I went to had the actual cards in their office.

I would get that done and sent in if it's one of the last things you're waiting on. FBI websites quotes a turn around time of 5-6 weeks and if it's being mailed to Canada that adds more time. (2-3 extra weeks for me.) Basically, I have everything else done, just waiting on the FBI.

 

[Creampop]

I am sure they are connected... like when you change your drivers license your number changes but it's still linked. like Social Security numbers always stay the same no matter how many times you change your name. If it was that easy people with criminal records would just change their names on their passport and be free... sorry don't see that happening... they know who you are and were LOL

 

[Ryissa]

That's crazy then. My name was flagged the time before and I got hassled BIG TIME. This time with my new name and passport there was no mention of the red flag at all. Guy just looked at our passports and was like "Have a good time!"

Was my red flag just gone then? I'm just shocked to have a nightmare crossing the time before and then have this crossing with no questions at all. Seriously. It was the easiest crossing I've ever had! Did I just get lucky?

 

[amikety]

Maybe the guard was going on break in five minutes and didn't feel like questioning you further. Or he won money at the casino and was in a great mood. There are hundreds of reasons why. Just be happy it went smoothly

 

[Ryissa]

Oh don't get me wrong I am happy it went smoothly. I'm just trying to figure out how to make the next time go as smooth since the last time was so nightmarish it ended up giving me anxiety attacks later on (not exaggerating... I legit have an anxiety disorder and that ordeal was hell on me).

 

[Creampop]

Oh I got some CSBA Stories lemme tell you, one time my husband and I (before we were married) were pulled in a garage, doors closed in front and in back of us we were removed from the truck placed in separate rooms and questioned for 45 mins, dogs were released in his WEEK old truck their claws tore fabric on the seats then the guards switched and questioned us another 45 mins then returned us to our truck and said that was just a random drug search... WTF a random drug search lasting almost 2 hrs? and theres nothing you can do! you have to do what they say for FEAR of what they will do! anyways It just depends on the IO what kind of mood they are in? does he not care about his job? is he lazy? is he just an a$$hole, a million things effect their attitudes... I can't wait for my PR card so I never have to do it again...