Question about extending my stay

[christinamh]

I am a US citizen. I have been in Canada since October 2011. Although I left in December, came back in January, then left again in March and came back in April. So on this visit I have technically been here since April 2012. My boyfriend is a Canadian citizen and I have been staying with him. We would like for me to be able to immigrate to Canada. Marriage is something we are considering, but not exactly ready for.

Here's my question; Can I apply to extend my stay as a visitor so that my boyfriend and I will reside together for one full year so that he can sponsor me as a common law? What are the chances of getting approved for that? Has anyone here actually done this? Also, what exactly should I say on the application for my reason for wanting to stay longer? Is there anything that we can provide that will be helpful in getting approved to stay 6 more months?

Any help is really greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[irritated]

hi i gave the reason to explore my relationship with my canadian partner and it worked for me i was granted another 6 mths i also showed a joint bank account as proof of funds and a letter of support from my partner i hope this helps you

 

[christinamh]

Hi, thank you for your reply. I have about $10,000USD. Do you think that will be enough funds to cover my extension for another 6 months? Also, what did your Canadian partner include in his or her letter of support? Did you apply online or mail in your application? I'm just having trouble wording my reasoning for staying. I have read that some people on here have said that they would like to stay with their common law partner for another 6 months in order to meet the 12 month mark. How exactly did you word your reasoning if you don't mind me asking?

Thank you so much for your reply.

 

[Creampop]

Just say that you wish to remain in Canada for another 6 months to explore your relationship further with your partner. it's kind of a catch-22 as it is illegal for you to "live" in Canada but in order to file common-law you must reside together for a year.

 

[irritated]

hi also get your partner to write a letter os support and put it in with your documents the letter must say what accomidation you will be staying at give a brief description on what you will be doing eg tourning the country what his job is and what is his relationship to you and that he will feed clothe and house you during your stay also put in the dates you will be staying to and from and end the letter with i swear that what i have written is true and send a copy of his birth certifict to as proof of his id i hope this helps you