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Chatmonkey

Full Member
May 14, 2017
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I am from a visa-exempt country (Australia) and entered Canada as a tourist about 4ish months ago.

I applied for PR via the Outland method about 2-3 weeks ago and will probably have to flagpole so my status does not expire.

I would never lie to a border officer but I would just like to know the best way to go about this? I've been told not to mention my application as it would mean I am not a "tourist" but I have also been told the opposite.

Can anyone provide some extra clarity on this? I understand that nothing is guaranteed.
 
Have you ever consider applying for an extension from inside Canada? You would not need to flagpole at US border to do this. You can apply for an extension on account that you have a PR sponsorship in process. While it is not guaranteed that you will get an extension but it is an option you have. Plus you would have implied status until you get an response from CIC.
 
Have you ever consider applying for an extension from inside Canada? You would not need to flagpole at US border to do this. You can apply for an extension on account that you have a PR sponsorship in process. While it is not guaranteed that you will get an extension but it is an option you have. Plus you would have implied status until you get an response from CIC.
This is your best option as it will become hard to prove strong ties to other countries. What will you say at the border ?
 
You can say you want to visit your spouse while you wait for an answer (along with proof you won't be working illegally). Most common tip given to people in a situation like this though is, as above, to apply for an extension online, for $100, and implied visitor status until you get a yes/no (almost certain yes unless you don't provide any proof of funds/support, etc).
 
You can say you want to visit your spouse while you wait for an answer (along with proof you won't be working illegally). Most common tip given to people in a situation like this though is, as above, to apply for an extension online, for $100, and implied visitor status until you get a yes/no (almost certain yes unless you don't provide any proof of funds/support, etc).
Why not submit on paper and submit by registered mail? Use CIC's backlog to your advantage.
 
I didn't think i could apply for an extension if I don't have a visa in the first place. Due to being from a visa exempt country like australia i basically just walked in. No stamp on passport either.

Can I still apply for an "extension" to this? If so, how?
 
I didn't think i could apply for an extension if I don't have a visa in the first place. Due to being from a visa exempt country like australia i basically just walked in. No stamp on passport either.

Can I still apply for an "extension" to this? If so, how?

You can definitely apply for an extension. And that's definitely the better option than flagpoling. Details here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp
 
I am from a visa-exempt country (Australia) and entered Canada as a tourist about 4ish months ago.

I applied for PR via the Outland method about 2-3 weeks ago and will probably have to flagpole so my status does not expire.

I would never lie to a border officer but I would just like to know the best way to go about this? I've been told not to mention my application as it would mean I am not a "tourist" but I have also been told the opposite.

Can anyone provide some extra clarity on this? I understand that nothing is guaranteed.
I strongly suggest don't do flagpole, if you want to go out Canada, do it for 3-4 weeks, then you could go back and could say you have a ticket in a couple of months

or
Extend your stay in Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you must apply to do so. Check your temporary resident status to make sure you apply before the expiry date. This will be on your study or work permit, the stamp in your passport or, if you do not have a stamp in your passport, 6 months from the day you entered Canada. You should apply 30 days before your status expires to:

  • extend your visitor, student or work status,
  • change your permit type (for example, from a study permit to a work permit) or
  • change your permit condition(s) (for example, if you are studying and you want to change schools, or if you are working and you want to change jobs).
If you apply to extend your permit, and your visitor visa expires while you are waiting for a decision, you still have temporary resident (visitor) status. This is known as implied status.

Visitor extension ($100)

These applications can be submitted online or by paper.

Online

115 days

Working on applications received on May 15, 2017.

Last update: September 8, 2017
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/index.asp
 
I am from a visa-exempt country (Australia) and entered Canada as a tourist about 4ish months ago.

I applied for PR via the Outland method about 2-3 weeks ago and will probably have to flagpole so my status does not expire.

I would never lie to a border officer but I would just like to know the best way to go about this? I've been told not to mention my application as it would mean I am not a "tourist" but I have also been told the opposite.

Can anyone provide some extra clarity on this? I understand that nothing is guaranteed.
Apply a visitor extension
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

I applied on may 28th, still waiting for the decision.
I became permanent resident on monday sept 11th.
 
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I'm not sure anyone can prove they won't work illegally... All they can do is make a strong case they have strong ties to another country. Some officers are not sympathetic to waiting alongside your spouse, I wouldn't advise risking a border crossing.
 
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I didn't think i could apply for an extension if I don't have a visa in the first place. Due to being from a visa exempt country like australia i basically just walked in. No stamp on passport either.

Can I still apply for an "extension" to this? If so, how?
You definitely should have received a stamp in your passport.... even if you're from a visa exempt country.
 
Last edited:
You definitely should have received a stamp in your passport....

It's no big deal if you're visa exempt and you don't have a stamp. It just means you're allowed to stay for six months.
 
It's no big deal if you're visa exempt and you don't have a stamp. It just means you're allowed to stay for six months.

That's the case when there's no date written below it, but I've never heard of a non-American not getting stamped before. Normally only reason for someone like an Australian or European to not get stamped is if they're re-entering after taking a break from a work/study permit (so the original stamp is still in force, rendering a new one unnecessary).
 
It's no big deal if you're visa exempt and you don't have a stamp. It just means you're allowed to stay for six months.

Agreed, no stamp = 6 months visitor status. It happens often enough to any visa-exempt visitors.