How long can an American stay with friend with $500 cash

[Yay_Canada]

I'm traveling to Canada soon to stay with a disabled friend. I have a one way ticket and haven't purchased a one way return ticket yet as I want the flexibility to stay as long as possible but I'm not sure how long I'll be allowed to stay, or if not presenting a return ticket will be a problem. My friend will cover my lodging, food, and transportation. I'll have $500 US cash for which I'll save to buy a return ticket later.

We met online and have been best friends for 4 years. This will be the first time meeting in person. There's a good chance that we could become more than friends. If that happens I would like to stay longer. Thus my uncertainty in getting a return ticket before my trip.

I'll be quitting my job soon so it will be a good time for the trip.

But is this scenario an issue where I should just play it safe and present a return ticket where I'd be flying back in 1-4 weeks? Or would they be ok with allowing me the flexibility of deciding on the return date later? Thanks

 

[bellaluna]

I'm traveling to Canada soon to stay with a disabled friend. I have a one way ticket and haven't purchased a one way return ticket yet as I want the flexibility to stay as long as possible but I'm not sure how long I'll be allowed to stay, or if not presenting a return ticket will be a problem. My friend will cover my lodging, food, and transportation. I'll have $500 US cash for which I'll save to buy a return ticket later.

We met online and have been best friends for 4 years. This will be the first time meeting in person. There's a good chance that we could become more than friends. If that happens I would like to stay longer. Thus my uncertainty in getting a return ticket before my trip.

I'll be quitting my job soon so it will be a good time for the trip.

But is this scenario an issue where I should just play it safe and present a return ticket where I'd be flying back in 1-4 weeks? Or would they be ok with allowing me the flexibility of deciding on the return date later? Thanks

More often than not, you won't be asked to present a return ticket, but you will be asked how long you are staying in Canada (and also I believe in the customs declaration form). I usually don't condone lying, but I think you should say a little white lie and say 2 weeks, and hope you are granted a 6-month stay. If this will be your first visit to Canada, you will likely be asked how long you will stay.

Keep your answers as short and clear as possible. I think the CBSA officer may be suspicious if he/she uncovers the whole details about your situation, so offer as little information as possible. Just say you are visiting a friend on vacation, that's it, and try to avoid mentioning that this is the first time you're meeting or everything else.

 

[Jalex23]

I would recommend against "white lies"...

Tell them that you haven't decided on the trip back, but that you have a timeframe (3-4 months?) because you are aware you should leave before your allowed stay.

As long as you are truthful there should be no problems.

(Keep in mind the longer you stay, the more you have to wait to re-enter and the less probable your chances are to get admitted again).

 

[Yay_Canada]

Thanks a lot. I feel much more comfortable now. What if I have $1000 US cash and say I'm not sure on the return date but I have a timeframe of 5-6 months? Does that sound ok?

 

[pie_vancouver]

I saw in Border Security tv show, one American has only less than $100 in his wallet, came to Canada to visit her Canadian girlfriend, will spend time training for football for few months I think, will stay at his girlfriend's house, and his girlfriend's family will shoulder all his board & lodging expenses, border officers called the girlfriend and her family and verified this, they agreed, with a matching Welcome to Canada posters, and they let the American thru.