I overstayed the last time - can I reenter?

[Dithyrambus]

Hi,

I am a UK citizen who simply loves Canada.

The last time I was there, I overstayed my visitor visa by a whopping 18 months. My only excuse was that I didn't want to return to the UK and I was depressed. I left of my own accord and was not asked any questions or anything.

I left in November 2007 and have not been back since. My return to Canada is imminent, as I miss my friends and want to travel there again. I know I will never do anything so foolish as overstay again, but it is already too late? Have I destroyed my chances of ever getting back into Canada? If I have, then so be it. It is my fault. I'd just like to hear from people in the know.

Should I mention the overstay on my eTA application?

Thank you.

 

[Jalex23]

Hi,

I am a UK citizen who simply loves Canada.

The last time I was there, I overstayed my visitor visa by a whopping 18 months. My only excuse was that I didn't want to return to the UK and I was depressed. I left of my own accord and was not asked any questions or anything.

I left in November 2007 and have not been back since. My return to Canada is imminent, as I miss my friends and want to travel there again. I know I will never do anything so foolish as overstay again, but it is already too late? Have I destroyed my chances of ever getting back into Canada? If I have, then so be it. It is my fault. I'd just like to hear from people in the know.

Should I mention the overstay on my eTA application?

Thank you.

Yes. You should mention everything on the eTA.

It is up to CIC to decide if you are allowed back..... 50/50 IMO.

 

[Aquakitty]

Does the ETA application mention anything about an overstay? I don't see anything like that on the application. Usually they only ask if you were refused a visa or denied entry. If it doesn't, I wouldn't go out of your way to mention it. Don't lie about it, but no need to mention it if they don't ask. For visa-exempt countries the overstay is usually not such a big deal, and your overstay was a long time ago. My husband's overstayed for years and years and never had too much trouble getting back in.

 

[Bs65]

So what will your answer be to the CBSa officer if asked when did you last visit Canada. An 18 month overstay without working was quite an achievement as well. Also anyone who says any overstay is not a big deal just because a visa exempt country , the consequences if found out can be an exclusion same as could be for someone overstaying in the UK. There is nothing on the ETa that would ask about an overstay plus assume you are not on the same passport now as 2007.

 

[scylla]

IMO, given you are British and have been outside of Canada for almost 10 years, you're not going to have any issues returning. If any questions related to your overstay are asked in the ETA application, make sure you are truthful in your answers.

 

[Dithyrambus]

Thank you all for your help. I know I should click the 'Good' button, but I don't see one. Maybe I'm being thick. If someone can point it out to me, I'd gladly click it for all of you.

One more thing: does it make a difference that I'm on a different passport now? I wouldn't have thought that would matter.

 

[bellaluna]

Thank you all for your help. I know I should click the 'Good' button, but I don't see one. Maybe I'm being thick. If someone can point it out to me, I'd gladly click it for all of you.

One more thing: does it make a difference that I'm on a different passport now? I wouldn't have thought that would matter.

I think you need to have made 10 posts to see the [Good] and [Poor] buttons.

Different passport? Different country of issue or simply a renewed one?