Hard decision to take on Canadian tourist visa status ???

[Migalo]

Hello,
I'm from north africa, and i have a brother in canada.
I have a canadian tourist visa that expires on 23 June 2013, and i want to visit my brother for the spring and summer period: i would like to go to canada by 7 may and stay till 25 september.
I don't know which decision to make :
1. Should i ask for a new tourist visa and then once i get a new visa then i go to canada?
2. Should i go to canada and once there ask for an extention: Extend my visa?
:'( :'(

Thank you

 

[Migalo]

anyone could share experience?

 

[user828]

1) Longterm
2) Shortterm

 

[scylla]

As long as you enter on or by June 23rd you can stay until September. June 23rd isn't the date by which you have to leave Canada. It's the date by which you must enter Canada to activate your tourist visa.

 

[Migalo]

Hi Scylla,
I had a 2 year visa, which means that my visa will actually expire
Thank you

 

[Msafiri]

Hi Scylla,
I had a 2 year visa, which means that my visa will actually expire
Thank you

I'd go with enter Canada with your current visa then apply to extend your stay before this visa expires. The obvious issue for you is the CBSA agent will want to see your return ticket - if you don't want a hard time then it has to be within the validity of your visa....maybe get a flexible ticket where you can change the dates once in Canada. CBSA may also issue a visotr record where they need you to present yourself at the airport when departing. Alternatively if your current situation is such that you have strong ties to your home in North Africa i.e. solid employment then sure apply for a new visa.