Question about B1 visa

[GLou]

Hello,

I currently have a B1 visa that will expire in 2021. I secured it when I went to Canada last May 2019 when my company sent me to Toronto for a 1 month-training.

Right now I have an on-going outland spousal VISA application and we are still waiting for the passport request. The last update we got was the transfer letter last September 13, 2019 that my application was moved to Manila VISA office from CPC-Sydney.

While waiting for my application, can I go to Canada using my B1 VISA? I want to make sure because in the VISA stamp it shows B1(Visitor-Business) and if I go to Canada for personal reasons the immigration officer might ask me why I go there with B1 VISA and not V1. Can you please enlighten me in this matter and if this will work out or should I need to get V1 just to be sure?

Thank you.

 

[AUG19]

I've gone to Canada using my tourist visa twice with no issues, I haven't been asked about my sponsorship status or anything, but if they do ask at any point I'll just be honest, I do always carry a letter from my job confirming that I have approved vacations.

 

[canuck78]

Hello,

I currently have a B1 visa that will expire in 2021. I secured it when I went to Canada last May 2019 when my company sent me to Toronto for a 1 month-training.

Right now I have an on-going outland spousal VISA application and we are still waiting for the passport request. The last update we got was the transfer letter last September 13, 2019 that my application was moved to Manila VISA office from CPC-Sydney.

While waiting for my application, can I go to Canada using my B1 VISA? I want to make sure because in the VISA stamp it shows B1(Visitor-Business) and if I go to Canada for personal reasons the immigration officer might ask me why I go there with B1 VISA and not V1. Can you please enlighten me in this matter and if this will work out or should I need to get V1 just to be sure?

Thank you.

Yes you could be refused entry if you are caught not using the visa for business purposes.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello,

I currently have a B1 visa that will expire in 2021. I secured it when I went to Canada last May 2019 when my company sent me to Toronto for a 1 month-training.

Right now I have an on-going outland spousal VISA application and we are still waiting for the passport request. The last update we got was the transfer letter last September 13, 2019 that my application was moved to Manila VISA office from CPC-Sydney.

While waiting for my application, can I go to Canada using my B1 VISA? I want to make sure because in the VISA stamp it shows B1(Visitor-Business) and if I go to Canada for personal reasons the immigration officer might ask me why I go there with B1 VISA and not V1. Can you please enlighten me in this matter and if this will work out or should I need to get V1 just to be sure?

Thank you.

You should be fine. Many have done this without issue.

https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/can-i-use-b1-business-visitor-for-tourism-in-canada.613159/page-2

 

[canuck78]

We did see someone recently that got denied and returned to some country in Asia when he arrived after a conference date. There is always a risk but like everything CBSA it is hit and miss.