Question regarding moving to Canada

[neighbor]

Hi everyone,

Here's something that's puzzling me a lot.

My girlfriend (who's from portugal, without need of visa) moved to Canada.
She has there her brother who's married to a person who was born there. Both of them work there, for two years now.
Her mother, went past year to meet them, and is there until now.
My girlfriend bought a ticket in and out(the ticket out for after 6 months of stay, theorectically), and is living at her brother's home. For her, how long is she going to be able to be there(after the 6 month visitor allowed), assuming she gets a job?
If she does get a job, will her stay be able to increase?
Can she extend her stay even if she doesn't get a job? For how long, under wich terms?

As for me, I'm arranging things to move later this year, and also have questions:

- Going there, I plan to stay 5 to 6 months there with her, and then see... Whether trying to get a job, or come back. I plan to rent a house while I'm there. Am I allowed to do that instead of being in a hotel, for 6 months?
- Do I have to rely on someone? I will have enough money for the 6 months stay.

I'm concerned that CBSA won't allow me in, under my pretentions, and even though I say I will be renting a house for the stay.

I don't know... Please explain me!

Thanks,
Neighbor

 

[scylla]

Neither you nor your girlfriend are allowed to "move" to Canada right now. You're just allowed to visit. If you arrive and it looks like you're moving, you could be refused entry - so be careful. Yes - you can certainly rent a house while you're here. However I wouldn't mention this to immigration officials since this will make it sound like you're moving to Canada permanently and would increase the chances of problems at the border.

Your girlfriend can apply to extend her visit by applying for an extension here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

There is no guarantee the extension will be approved.

If your girlfriend finds an employer who is willing to offer her a job, then the first step is for that employer to obtain an approved LMO:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/employers/lmo-basics.asp

As part of this process, the employer will have to prove that the job was advertised for at least one month and no Canadian could be found to hire for the position. If the LMO is approved, your girlfriend can then apply for/obtain a work permit either by applying online or through flagpoling at a US/Canadian land border:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/permit.asp