Question

[sarahmarie02]

I also posted the following in the Visitor area as part of this question is relevant there but thought I'd post here as well to see if I can get some input here as well.

It is my understanding from the research I have done, that I can visit Canada as a US citizen as long as I have a passport for up to six months. Around the time that the six months is about to come to term, I can apply for an extension for the time I am visiting Canada correct?

In addition I am looking to eventually immigrate to Canada, as my boyfriend of 2 1/2 years lives and resides in Ottawa and is a natural borne Canadian citizen. Does anyone have a similar experience that can give some insight as to the process I will be facing to become a citizen and does the time I live with him while visiting count towards time that accumulates for our relationship to be considered common law?

Thank you in advance for any input.

 

[Leon]

Yes, you can apply to extend your visit status.

What you would have to do on your way to citizenship is either marry your boyfriend or live with him for 12 months. Then he can apply to sponsor you for permanent residency which can take 6-18 months to process depending on applying inland or outland, your luck etc.

Once you get permanent residency, you need to live in Canada for 2-3 years before you can apply for citizenship. Processing citizenship usually takes about a year after you have applied.