Need info please UK resident visiting Canada

[sricchio]

Hi there,
My boyfriend is currently a resident in the UK (born and raised), he has been coming to Canada to work on our relationship (we have currently been together for a year). We first met in Sept 2014, where he was in Canada for 1 month, I visited him in Oct 2014, he then came back to Canada in Jan2015 and stayed for 5 months (left June this year) and now has come back for another 5 months (staying till Jan2016). When he arrived he was given a notice that he must have a visa or something in place if he decides to come back in 2016. He has an income in the UK (his own business) plus his own home, we are obviously seeing if this relationship is going to work, but now it's like he has to make a decision with documentation (visa etc). What can he do in regards to just visiting Canada like he's been doing? He doesn't want to decide to live here yet.... he does have family here (brother, which is permanent resident) but again, he wants to continue coming to Canada for months at a time before he makes any big decisions.
Please help
Thanks,

 

[Msafiri]

Your b/f's travel pattern is not one of a bona fide visitor. In 2015 he will have lived in Canada for a longer period than he has lived outside it - in effect in CBSAs view he is playing games with visitor status. The border agent gave him a huge break in admitting him. That he is self employed is a red flag as he can have someone run the business in his absence so what's to stop him hanging out in Canada indefinitely. Unfortunately there isn't a 'lets try out this relationship' visa or status so either bite the bullet and get a spouse application going or he can apply for a Work Permit/ PR if he qualifies. Check CIC website for the options available. His next trip won't be a happy one is the message he was given. He may be best to go with an inland extension in Jan 2016 as opposed to yet another pseudo border run to the UK because he could get bounced at the border. At worst he may get an officious CBSA agent and get excluded for 1 to 5 years. Alternatively trade visiting spots so you go to the UK next time.

 

[sricchio]

Thank you very much Msafiri!
You've given me a direction in next steps.

Thanks again,
S.