Need help and advice changing status to visitor.

[Gary_87]

Hey guys!

I'm coming up on the end of my IEC visa right now and will be changing my status to visitor very shortly. I just want to run my plan by everyone to see if I should be ok and what I should say.

My permit expires on March 14th. On March 3rd I am leaving Vancouver to go to Mexico for a short vacation. I will returning into YVR airport on March 10th.

My plan is to change my visa from my IEC open work permit to that of a visitor on re-entry. Will this be ok? What should I say to the border guards?

I can't apply for an extension of my status now as it'll cancel when I leave the country for Mexico so I need to do it on re-entry.

I will be re-entering canada with my fiance, who can provide financial support proof and I'll also have proof that the application is paid for and hopefully by then we'll also have sponsor approval.

Do I just speak to the customs officer and ask to surrender my work visa and to stamp me into the country or will I have to ask to speak to immigration to get a visitors record?

I have less than a month left and just want to make sure I am doing everything I can to stay during the process.

I know the Mexico trip is poorly timed but we booked this a long time ago and we thought everything would be fine but other plans fell through.

Thanks in advance dudes and dudettes!

 

[Sweden]

I can only speak of my experience in entering via YVR airport in October. I didn't have an IEC visa before... so it might be different. But maybe not!

I only asked for a tourist visa, didn't mention anything about a visitor record. When asked for how long I will stay in the country, I said 6 months and volunteered the information that I have applied for PR. My partner was with me to confirm ( and I had the stage 1 approval letter, but was not asked for it). I was asked if I had a job in Europe (no), and that was about it. Stamped for 6 months!
It really depends on the border officer, but if you have the proofs that you have applied, traveling with your partner, and she has her pay-stubs in case she is asked for it, it should be fine.
Good luck!
Sweden

 

[Gary_87]

I can only speak of my experience in entering via YVR airport in October. I didn't have an IEC visa before... so it might be different. But maybe not!

I only asked for a tourist visa, didn't mention anything about a visitor record. When asked for how long I will stay in the country, I said 6 months and volunteered the information that I have applied for PR. My partner was with me to confirm ( and I had the stage 1 approval letter, but was not asked for it). I was asked if I had a job in Europe (no), and that was about it. Stamped for 6 months!
It really depends on the border officer, but if you have the proofs that you have applied, traveling with your partner, and she has her pay-stubs in case she is asked for it, it should be fine.
Good luck!
Sweden

Thanks again sweden!

Yeah I think it'll be fine. Just a little unsure what to say as ill technically still have legal status to remain in canqda for 4 days. Do you think it'll be ok for me to request they change my status there?

 

[Sweden]

Thanks again sweden!

Yeah I think it'll be fine. Just a little unsure what to say as ill technically still have legal status to remain in canqda for 4 days. Do you think it'll be ok for me to request they change my status there?

I think so. especially because you only have a few days left, and you're asking to change, and you have a "valid reason", so I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Also because you're going to a "less favourable" status - from IEC to tourist, so obviously you have nothing to gain from it...
I remember another couple that went to the border (they hadn't filed the extension/change of status 30 days in advance etc), 2 days before the work visa was expiring, and they were given a 3 months entry stamp. You might also get a shorter one ( not 6 months) but it doesn't matter because you can always extend it online without leaving the country later on.
Good luck!
Sweden

 

[Gary_87]

I think so. especially because you only have a few days left, and you're asking to change, and you have a "valid reason", so I don't see why it wouldn't be possible. Also because you're going to a "less favourable" status - from IEC to tourist, so obviously you have nothing to gain from it...
I remember another couple that went to the border (they hadn't filed the extension/change of status 30 days in advance etc), 2 days before the work visa was expiring, and they were given a 3 months entry stamp. You might also get a shorter one ( not 6 months) but it doesn't matter because you can always extend it online without leaving the country later on.
Good luck!
Sweden

Thanks! So long as I can get back into the country that's all that matters haha. Guesa on reentry ill just ask if I can change my status? If they can't I guess ill just ask to speak to an immigration officer and try and get a visitors record.

More nervous about this than the actual pr haha.

 

[xredtulipx]

Hi i'll be very thankful if someone can help me in this i'm not from a visa exempt country i have a single entry visit visa of Canada and multiple entry visa of US. In feb 2013 i was in canada where i got a job offer and employers also provide me with a positive LMOnow i'm un US to meet my family and planning to go back to canada as i can re-enter again on single entry if i just visit US. I'll be flying to edmonton airport my question is this that can i just ask to change my status from visitor to worker at the port of entry on the aiport? is this possible that they can give me that? has anybody have any experience of doing this?