Overstayed before, should i get a Visit visa now?

[maplemind]

In 2001, i was issued a visitor visa (Type T1), multiple entry for 4 years. i was a transfer student to Canada. at the port of entry i was given a student authorization paper- stapled to my passport. i only continued study for 2 semesters and then didn't attend school. I just dropped out of the entire system- working without authorization, keeping a low profile, out of contact/communication with any party. In 2006, I left Canada and came back home but that student authorization paper is still stapled in my passport. Now, i have a brand new passport (because my old one is over 10 years old and in my country it's no good, not applicable for renewal anymore- so i had to make a new passport). But i still have that old passport with me.

During my stay in Canada, i never ever even had to face/talk to any police officer for any reason possible. I'm wondering if there's any warrant or bar or penalty for me or any ground of denying my entry again to Canada.

I have a house, stable job with a very good salary, a car and a family now in my country. I want to visit Canada for memory's sake. It would be really helpful if you can suggest/advice me on any possibility for me to get a visit visa due to my previous experience.

Thank you

 

[rajkamalmohanram]

In 2001, i was issued a visitor visa (Type T1), multiple entry for 4 years. i was a transfer student to Canada. at the port of entry i was given a student authorization paper- stapled to my passport. i only continued study for 2 semesters and then didn't attend school. I just dropped out of the entire system- working without authorization, keeping a low profile, out of contact/communication with any party. In 2006, I left Canada and came back home but that student authorization paper is still stapled in my passport. Now, i have a brand new passport (because my old one is over 10 years old and in my country it's no good, not applicable for renewal anymore- so i had to make a new passport). But i still have that old passport with me.

During my stay in Canada, i never ever even had to face/talk to any police officer for any reason possible. I'm wondering if there's any warrant or bar or penalty for me or any ground of denying my entry again to Canada.

I have a house, stable job with a very good salary, a car and a family now in my country. I want to visit Canada for memory's sake. It would be really helpful if you can suggest/advice me on any possibility for me to get a visit visa due to my previous experience.

Thank you

Immigration matters are not looked into by the police. It's looked into by the immigration department. Since your situation is not a very common one, I suggest you to hire an immigration lawyer and get advice from him. That would be the best course of action because here in the forum, you only get general advice. Your situation is a little complicated IMO and only a immigration lawyer will be able to provide you with accurate information.

I wish you all the best and hope you get to visit Canada. Good luck!

 

[sokosan]

I'm wondering if there's any warrant or bar or penalty for me or any ground of denying my entry again to Canada.

Well, yes, there is - you overstayed (illegal thing #1) and you worked without a permit (illegal thing #2).

Typically people who do this, get a 2 year ban on entering. Now, you didn't get one stamped in your passport because there is no exit control when you leave Canada, but eventually, Immigration Canada figured out when you left (airlines give lists of passengers to the government). So they know that you've overstayed (they don't know that you've worked, but considering how long you overstayed, they are probably guessing that you did).

When asking for a visa, you have to be honest about what you did in Canada before. Since this was in 2006, probably any ban you have has expired (probably! it is not certain), so you are not banned outright from entering, so you can apply for a visa. However, considering your history, there is a very high probability you will be rejected.

Therefore hiring a lawyer is good advice, because a lawyer can help you frame your application in the best possible way in order to have a good chance of it getting accepted (there are no guarantees however). My guess (just guessing!) is that in the best case they would give you a single entry visa for a very short period, but you might wait for it for a very long time + the lawyer may be expensive. So think whether the hassle would be worth it, seeing as you just want to come for a visit for pleasure and not for some urgent/important reason.