Landing as an international student, dating a Canadian

[elokuu]

I'll be landing in Toronto in December, with a Letter of Introduction to get a study permit. I am a genuine student, but my primary reason to study in Canada of all places is that my boyfriend is from there, and we are going to move in together once I get there. I obviously didn't mention him in my study permit application - we're not married and have never lived together yet, so the only relationship status I could possibly choose was "single".

I'm a little bit concerned whether the immigration officers will ask about who I'll be living with or whether I'm single. I really don't want to lie, but I'm afraid that they won't let me in the country if they find out about my boyfriend. If questions like these come up, what should I say?

 

[elokuu]

Any suggestions?

 

[hangon11]

I really don't know.
How about keeping it vague and say you're going to organise accomodation as soon as possible?

Hope someone will advise you better. Good luck.

 

[NetMecca]

For immigration purposes there is no legal designation applicable to "boyfriend". Unless you have been in a conjugal relationship (living together for at least a year) this is basically a friendship. My answer would be, "I am staying with a close friend". I would be surprised if they drill down any deeper than that. If they do, be honest about your intentions and studies. No doubt you have qualified for your study visa, on the merits of that application, and so it is unlikely that a close relationship with a Canadian would be considered an issue.

Also realise that dating someone in Canada (if you do not have status in Canada) is not illegal. The rules of family sponsorship have also become fairly strict, to eliminate abuse, so I would not be too concerned.

It might also be handy to have a written invitation from your friend to stay with him.

The authorities are mostly concerned about you having a place to stay (I suspect a crime thing), and your ability to leave Canada, before your status expires.

Hope this helps.

Good luck

 

[elokuu]

Thank you for the replies. I also got some advice from another forum member via a PM, and my plan as of right now is just to be perfectly honest. I can prove that I have every intention to study, by showing emails I've sent to professors and school administration in addition to my Letter of Acceptance. I also have a decent proof of funds (bank statements + letter from my parents that they are sponsoring me) so I see no reason why they wouldn't let me in despite my boyfriend's existence. If they want to call him and verify that I am there to study and am not just using the study permit to get authorization to stay with him on a longer term, I know he'll have no problem describing my enthusiasm for my future major. My boyfriend and I have never lived together before, so legally we're both still "single".

The invitation letter from him saying that we'll be cohabiting is a good idea, thanks! I'll make sure I have that.