Going to Canada as a tourist while waiting for my permanent resident visa

[cedricinbrussels]

Hello all,

I am currently waiting for my permanent resident visa, which I hope to obtain in the next 3-4 months. I currently live in Belgium and since I am not employed at the moment, I am considering going to Canada on a tourist visa while I am waiting for the PR visa, in order to familiarise myself with the country (i'd probably go to Montreal/Toronto) and possibly to start looking for potential employers.

So my questions to this forum are the following:
- is it possible/allowed to enter Canada on a tourist visa while waiting for the PR visa?
- do I need to notify the Canadian embassy in Paris (which is handling my PR visa application at the moment) of my intent to go to Canada on a tourist visa?
- in case I am still in Canada when the PR visa is granted, would I need to leave Canada and re-enter?

I have not found much information about this, either official or via this forum, so I would greatly appreciate your help.

Thanks in advance

 

[theshivster]

Yes it is possible to enter Canada as we where in February and there is no need to tell the VO.
We landed in Montreal and the Immigration Officer asked to see proof of return flights to make sure we where going home and his words to us on stamping the passports "Don't do anything that may jeopardise your PR application"
Have a great time.

 

[jaggy999]

I dont think u would be granted a visitor visa in th 1st place since u have applied for a PR which would mean that u are wiling to stay ther permanently.

Visitor visa is granted only if the VO thinks that u will cme back to ur homeland after the stipulated time

 

[scylla]

I agree with jaggy. I think it's very unlikely you will be approved for a tourist visa (I'm assuming you're non-visa exempt). In order to be approved, you need to show strong ties to your home country and demonstrate you have no plans to remain in Canada long term. However the fact that you have a PR application in progress proves that you do in fact want to remain in Canada permanently. The fact you're not employed is also a minus. You can certainly try applying - however be prepared for a rejection.

 

[harry_aussie]

Dear Cedricinbrussels,

You dont need a visa to visit Canada in case you are Belgium national. You dont need to notify VO but you might need to have someone to pass on the correspondence from VO.

 

[kavya]

I dont think its any good idea.

At the same time u mean to declare that u have already FSW file in process. at the same time its much tricky to show home tie up that u coming back in 6 months time.

God bless,
Kavya

 

[lovie]

Just bringing this up..

Is it certain that if you are waiting for PR, you cannot apply for visit visa?

I am planning to go to Canada in October as I have an RN exam scheduled and cant postpone it anymore as I have already postponed it thrice. I have a letter from my college which says I need to write the exam on the particular date and a letter from my employer about my vacation dates and that I would join my duties on so and so date.

So despite all this would they still not give me a visit visa? That's pretty harsh but I am sure there are exceptions to everything. Guys anyone with experience regarding this ??

 

[lovie]

I think once the visa officer is convinced that I will come back despite PR application in process, getting a TRV should not be a problem.

 

[Pippin]

This is the perfect example of DUAL INTENT which you will find has been discussed on a number of threads (do a search on the forum). There is no guarantee that you will get it (as per usual), but you need to explain in a solid cover letter that you will return to your country before your visa expires as you would not wish to do anything that would jeopardize your PR application. Explain your reasons for wanting to visit. The fact you have quit your job already, while understandable in your situation, certainly weakens your ties to your home country. Good Luck.

 

[lovie]

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/bulletins/2009/ob131.asp

It's at the discretion of the visa officer I guess but just having a PR application alone is not a reason for refusal to a TRV.

Will apply for TRV and let everyone know the outcome.

Cheers!!!

 

[shusam80]

Hi cedricinbrussels

Just to shared my experience I'd applied for PR back in 2007 for Calgary and also got the visitor visa in 2009 with in 3weeks without any issue applied from London went Toronto to met my cousin.
This was all happened before medical requested by CIC and was working full time but not showed something specified just normal 3months salary slips and bank statements

Hope this helps

Regards

 

[jnathan]

cedricinbrussels

as some of the members have already advised, i am giving my thoughts in brief

1. Yes its Possible. if the Immigration officer asks, confess that you have recently been granted the PR visa
2. You dont need to notify them
3. Yes, you'd need to leave Canada. this may be going to USA and then re enter Canada ( Landing)

 

[wilson]

I too agree with the answers of seniors.

You can of course apply and try your luck. Your chance for success is very dim but depends on the discretion of the visa officer.

Question 2 of the Background information on the visit visa application ask for your previous application for Canada visa.

 

[Avdimond]

Dear Cedricinbrussels,
We are in a very similar situation and am interested in knowing the outcome for you. Did you enter Canada as a visitor? Were there complications? Did you return to Belgiam or were you able to go into the US to land? Any information you can pass on would be very helpful.
Thanks!!

 

[Badal789]

Dear Cedricinbrussels,
We are in a very similar situation and am interested in knowing the outcome for you. Did you enter Canada as a visitor? Were there complications? Did you return to Belgiam or were you able to go into the US to land? Any information you can pass on would be very helpful.
Thanks!!

Hello Avdimond,
Last year I visited Canada as a visitor. I was given multiple entry visa which took only 5 days to obtain Canadian visa. After entering into Canada from USA I went to USA and then again to Canada. Later I went to USA again.
It is really a good idea to visit Canada before settle there so one can plan accordingly. As I remember CIC also encourages to do so. Remember to provide file no. on the visa application form. No need to inform VO before travelling but mandatory to inform VO within 6 months after the visit. Earlier I visited Canada but did not inform VO that I found in the CAIPS note.
During visit on a visit visa no use to contact for jobs.