Questions about extending visit to Canada with Girlfriend

[textocan]

Im currently a Texas resident who has come to visit and live with my Girlfriend of 3.5 years in Canada. My overall goal is to become a permanent resident by sponsorship of my girlfriend, but there is a certain amount of time we must live together (and be able to prove it.. which im not sure how long that is) I saved up my money, quit my current job, and drove to Canada for the intent to visit for 6 months. However the immigration officers said that due to my current funds in my bank account, they could only give me a 1 month visitation stay. My girlfriend and her family had stated they have no problem supporting me, but i had neglected to mention that completely and clearly at the time.

My question is this.. i was given 30 days, and i have been here for 9 days. I found out that i can apply for an extension, which i will use the reason that i wish to extend it to work towards citizenship and the other requirements that I will need to have lived together with her (i need to research and clarify the requirements on that still.) However it said that I should apply 30 days before expiry of the visitation, which would be impossible, considering i'd have had to done that the day i arrived.

My main concerns are.. is this going to be a problem? I read that Im legally allowed to stay in Canada under 'implied status' as long as I have proof of a submitted application to extend my stay (which has quite a processing time.. couple months i think.) I sure dont want to run into a problem if i go past the day im told to leave if for some reason it does get denied. Will it be ok as long as i have proof that i have tried to extend my stay? And my last question... what reasons should i use to extend my visit? I wants to be as truthful and clear as possible.. but will using the reason 'living with my girlfriend to fulfill the requirements of being sponsored by her to become a permanent resident' be enough? And the last question... Her family (Canadian residents) Have told me they will fully support my stay here financially.. obviously im not working, so i have no way to support myself.. and until i were to have the proper documentation to work in Canada, i wont be able too. Is there a way i can satisfy the immigration office that her and her family will be able to do so for the time im asking?

Ill be happy to answer any other questions to what i stated above... i know its a lot, but im very new to this.. and i want to get started right away on the visitor extension application if everything above sounds ok.
Thank you all in advance, & best of luck to you in your future endeavors!

 

[textocan]

Let me simplify it like this..

When I ask for permission to extend my visitation dates, what should I state? The end goal is to move here with my girlfriend permanently, but i know that is a long long way off. Until then we need more time together to fulfill the 'living together' portion of the requirements. And right now, that is all I am trying to get. And I know a lot of things cannot be done while in Canada, such as a temporary resident visa or permanent residency.

I dont want to say i want "a year just to visit" (as i doubt they would grant that) but i dont want to say "i want a year to live with my girlfriend, so we can work towards common-law or something similar, where we must live together to do so. But im not sure if that is even possible for me as a visitor, since a lot of proof of it are 'joint account/housing/billing..etc"

Any ideas to point me in the right direction? I already have the application filled out.. but i want to make sure its perfect and complete before i send it out (which i found out you cannot do online.. must be mailed)

 

[amikety]

I was in a somewhat similar situation as you. Apply to extend your stay as soon as you can. Make sure it's before your status expires. The 30 days is recommended and should be followed if possible, but you won't get automatically rejected for not following it. In your case, it's impossible. Not a big deal.

I'll tell you what I did and you can use that knowledge how it best suits you. (You can even think I'm nuts and I'm okay with that!)

I applied to extend my stay and provided 3 paystubs from my then boyfriend (current husband) as proof of support. My husband gave me 3 from different months (I think he handpicked the ones with the most overtime!). I wrote in the "Why" field my boyfriend asked me to stay and we wanted to be able to live together until we could afford to get married in a ceremony we both wanted (which never happened, stupid money). I did indicate we may end up applying as common-law instead, but the overall goal was PR visa. So yea, I was upfront and honest about it. It worked for me, as I got that extension and two more after - and I was just as honest in those applications!

As far as time, I asked for much more time than I thought I would get each extension. My first extension, they only gave me six months (which I already had because my passport stamp was empty). I guess it was testing me out to see if this relationship would continue. At the five month mark, I applied for a second extension and got 1 year. The third extension, I asked for 14 months and got 14 months! I said "I need 12 months for Ottawa to process my PR plus 2-3 months to get my application together." I'd already paid my fees and done my medical by the time they processed that extension, so they knew I was serious.

Point is - ask for what you want. CIC will give you what they think is best, but ask and explain!

"I would like 15 months. 12 months to apply for common-law and 2-3 months to submit my application." "I would like two years. 1 year to qualify for common-law and 1 year for the PR processing."

Chances are, you won't get that for your first extension. I bet they'll give you six months and let you apply again if the relationship continues. But hey, ask for what you want. It does work sometimes!

When you fill it out, saying "visiting" and "cohabitating" a lot. Avoid moved and living together. Cohabitating and living together basically mean the same thing in this context, but it removes that "living" part, cuz you aren't supposed to be "living" in Canada.

Btw, you used to be able to do the application online. Are you not able to enroll in MyCIC because you don't have the government sign in thing? I like the new feature, but I understand it's frustrating for a lot of people!

Anyway, that's my two cents. Btw, if you move to Calgary, we can make fun of the "rednecks" together, cuz these people think they have something on the southeners.............. *by choice, Yankee by birth*

 

[amikety]

As far as Implied Status.......... If you're really worried, carry around your tracking information. Then anyone with a computer/smartphone can verify you mailed something to CIC.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much. The only times I've ever been asked for my Visitor's Record (what you get by extending your stay online/by mail) is the bank, to open my account, and Healthcare, to apply for healthcare with my husband.

I don't even carry my passport with me despite the Department of Travel recommending it. And my "emergency contact" listed in my passport? My husband in Canada.

My driver's license is in English. That is more than enough for most Canadians. My doctor's office accepted it as ID. The registry to get my marriage license accepted it as ID (I only used that and my birth certificate - no passport or immigration docs). Now, my license is from a state that borders Canada (Ohio - it's my dorky avatar), but that's Ontario. In Alberta, most people think I'm from Idaho. /facedesk

Honestly, most Canadians I know don't understand there is a difference between American/Canadian. Most can't tell I'm American despite speaking with a slight Georgia accent. They don't get why I can't work. People that know I'm American still ask me who I voted for in Canadian elections. Sometimes I wonder if they realize these are two separate countries. It's cute, really, because Americans do the same thing in return. Try not to stress. Be a good citizen, follow the laws, be respectful of authority (boo), and you'll be fine in most situations.

PS: I am severely "breaking the rules" with my driver's license, but I don't drive (yet) so don't necessarily follow my lead there. I plan to change it over when I land so I can change it into my married name at the same time. I prefered to apply with all my documents in my madien name so it was easier for CIC to tell who was who in the paperwork. Hopefully this won't come back and bite me. If it does - I deserve it!

 

[textocan]

As far as Implied Status.......... If you're really worried, carry around your tracking information. Then anyone with a computer/smartphone can verify you mailed something to CIC.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much. The only times I've ever been asked for my Visitor's Record (what you get by extending your stay online/by mail) is the bank, to open my account, and Healthcare, to apply for healthcare with my husband.

I don't even carry my passport with me despite the Department of Travel recommending it. And my "emergency contact" listed in my passport? My husband in Canada.

My driver's license is in English. That is more than enough for most Canadians. My doctor's office accepted it as ID. The registry to get my marriage license accepted it as ID (I only used that and my birth certificate - no passport or immigration docs). Now, my license is from a state that borders Canada (Ohio - it's my dorky avatar), but that's Ontario. In Alberta, most people think I'm from Idaho. /facedesk

Honestly, most Canadians I know don't understand there is a difference between American/Canadian. Most can't tell I'm American despite speaking with a slight Georgia accent. They don't get why I can't work. People that know I'm American still ask me who I voted for in Canadian elections. Sometimes I wonder if they realize these are two separate countries. It's cute, really, because Americans do the same thing in return. Try not to stress. Be a good citizen, follow the laws, be respectful of authority (boo), and you'll be fine in most situations.

PS: I am severely "breaking the rules" with my driver's license, but I don't drive (yet) so don't necessarily follow my lead there. I plan to change it over when I land so I can change it into my married name at the same time. I prefered to apply with all my documents in my madien name so it was easier for CIC to tell who was who in the paperwork. Hopefully this won't come back and bite me. If it does - I deserve it!

Thank you tremendously for all of your input! your situation almost directly mirrors ours! im very happy to hear that it's possible to have everything done just as you did!

My biggest concern now is satisfying them to my ties to my home-land (if i even need that, since were working towards common law), and being financially supported, since im obviously not (and cannot work) while im here. My girlfriend and even her family have no problems supporting me while im here, but i just need to figure out what type of documentation i can send in proving that they can and will. I read something about an 'affidavit of support' but i almost think two seperate notes with her and also her parents (both canadian citizens) would work just fine (we all live on the same big property in multiple houses).

So on your first request to extend, you just applied to extend because your boyfriend asked you to stay to have a wedding ceramony you both wanted? and all you needed was just proof of financial support? I definitely want to get the documents out *soon*, but i want to make sure i have everything i need. And the best reason and time that fits my situation.

Thank you again, your reply lifted a HUGE weight off my shoulders and i deeply appreciate your feedback!

 

[amikety]

Yes, that's really all I did. 3 paystubs and asking nicely worked for me.

Think about it like this - The USA and Canada share a huge border. There's a lot of towns and cities along that border. In some cases, the border goes through towns. They see a lot of American/Canadian couples. Our countries share a standard of living, language, and have the same basic human rights, etc. There's no real reason for most Americans to move illegally to Canada. Americans represent a low risk. CIC sees a lot of American/Canadian couples. As long as you're admissible in general and have proof of support, I don't think CIC is too worried about the majority of us.

In your case, a few copies of her paystubs and a letter written by her parents offering a place to live should help. That will show CIC you have support and a place to live, so you won't need to work. I won't guarantee anything, cuz I'm not CIC and I can't approve applications (although I wish I could), but a good application with proof helps. Remember, anything you tell CIC you need to be able to prove!

In fact, you should be more worried about buying winter clothing than anything else!

 

[textocan]

Just a quick update...

I have filled out the application with the intent on the 15 months required for a common-law relationship with the 2-3 months processing time. With the intent of a PR visa at the end of that time. I doubt I will get that much, but I do want to make them aware of my intentions and extend it if needed at the end of whatever I am granted.

I plan on sending in 3 paystubs from my girlfriend, as well as a hand typed and signed 'affidavit of support' from my girlfriend, stating she will be supporting me through her income, And I will receive free food & lodging. And also one from her parents (who live on the same property, but a different house) stating that while i am visiting their property, they will also admit responsibility to any additional financial needs and security, should they be needed. Nothing formal really, and not needed. But I feel its an added measure that will help show that I will be supported indefinitely while im here during that time. Seem like a good idea?

As far as the application, im just going to be truthful and say that we are going to be working towards the common-law relationship and i need the additional visitation time to fulfill those requirements, wherein afterwards I will be working towards the PR visa.

Please let me know if i missed out on anything. I plan on sending it off tomorrow!

 

[amikety]

Just a quick update...

I have filled out the application with the intent on the 15 months required for a common-law relationship with the 2-3 months processing time. With the intent of a PR visa at the end of that time. I doubt I will get that much, but I do want to make them aware of my intentions and extend it if needed at the end of whatever I am granted.

I plan on sending in 3 paystubs from my girlfriend, as well as a hand typed and signed 'affidavit of support' from my girlfriend, stating she will be supporting me through her income, And I will receive free food & lodging. And also one from her parents (who live on the same property, but a different house) stating that while i am visiting their property, they will also admit responsibility to any additional financial needs and security, should they be needed. Nothing formal really, and not needed. But I feel its an added measure that will help show that I will be supported indefinitely while im here during that time. Seem like a good idea?

As far as the application, im just going to be truthful and say that we are going to be working towards the common-law relationship and i need the additional visitation time to fulfill those requirements, wherein afterwards I will be working towards the PR visa.

Please let me know if i missed out on anything. I plan on sending it off tomorrow!

Sounds good. If CIC sees you won't need a reason to work, they will feel better about extending your visit

 

[textocan]

Just wanted to post a quick update!

I sent in my application to extend my visit for a year for common law relationship. Well 3 months and some days later, i finally got my decision...

Not only did they approve it, they gave me the entire year i had asked for!! I was amazed, and extremely relieved! Thank you SO much for all of your help amikety, I feel I owe it all to you for your help! I havent been able to stop being excited all day! So glad I can stay!! I did just as you said, paystubs, signed letters, everything they asked for.. and they approved me.

Now for the next steps.. but I have a year to work on those! wooohoo!

 

[amikety]

Just wanted to post a quick update!

I sent in my application to extend my visit for a year for common law relationship. Well 3 months and some days later, i finally got my decision...

Not only did they approve it, they gave me the entire year i had asked for!! I was amazed, and extremely relieved! Thank you SO much for all of your help amikety, I feel I owe it all to you for your help! I havent been able to stop being excited all day! So glad I can stay!! I did just as you said, paystubs, signed letters, everything they asked for.. and they approved me.

Now for the next steps.. but I have a year to work on those! wooohoo!

I'm so happy to hear the good news!

I've been very happy and excited myself. I got my passport request (final step before issuing my visa for PR) yesterday! So good news for both of us!

Come back about 1 month before you can apply for CL and read up on tips for the application.

Enjoy your time together!

(Remember the Visitor's Record can be used for proof of residency towards citizenship. Days count for 1/2 up to 1 year.)

 

[textocan]

I'm so happy to hear the good news!

I've been very happy and excited myself. I got my passport request (final step before issuing my visa for PR) yesterday! So good news for both of us!

Come back about 1 month before you can apply for CL and read up on tips for the application.

Enjoy your time together!

(Remember the Visitor's Record can be used for proof of residency towards citizenship. Days count for 1/2 up to 1 year.)

Awesome news! It is indeed good news for both of us!!

When you say the visitor's record can be used for 'days that count for 1/2 up to 1 year', what exactly do you mean? I understand I need proof at the end of the year to prove that i have lived together with no breaks for a year (which is something i need to look into now so i know what to prepare/save). For example, we took a 2 day vacation to Alberta and saved all of the hotel invoices as proof that we were there, so im sure that will help as well.

Thanks again, and best of luck to you for all of your future endeavors!

 

[amikety]

This is only for citizenship. In order to apply for citizenship (if you're interested - you'll get to vote), you must have 3 out of 4 years residency in Canada. Well, time on a VR counts towards those 3 years, 0.5 days per physical day in Canada up to 1 year. So if you spend 2 years on a VR (like me), you'll already have 1 year towards your citizenship requirements.

 

[Syrnix]

Thank you so much for this thread. My boyfriend ( he's Canadian) and I were having so many issues trying to figure out how to do this correctly and legally. I have tried contact with Canadian embassy stateside and follow their instructions only to get denied entry at border crossing. Now if can clear up issues enough to be allowed to re enter Canada we now have some sort of working guideline.

 

[amikety]

Thank you so much for this thread. My boyfriend ( he's Canadian) and I were having so many issues trying to figure out how to do this correctly and legally. I have tried contact with Canadian embassy stateside and follow their instructions only to get denied entry at border crossing. Now if can clear up issues enough to be allowed to re enter Canada we now have some sort of working guideline.

You're welcome and if you have questions, please ask away.

 

[rmj133]

I have a similar kind of situation, but little more worst and don't know what to do at this point of time.

I applied for PR and had submitted passport last year Nov 2012. Now due to the Foreign workers' strike the CIC asked as to take back the passport and get a renew one. my pp is expiring in Oct 2013 and visitor's extension next month Aug 15.

What is the best thing to do? Going back to the home country is something last thing for me to do as this moment as we don't want separation.

Any other option we could try?

Any thought would be helpful. Thanks,