Questions about extending visitor status

[TracyCa64]

Agreed. Canuck is great and thank you as well TracyCa64! This topic really helps ease the anxiety I've been having about this lately since it's my first time extending.



I'll probably start gathering documents and filling the forms near the end of December and into January if I'm submitting around Feb. 7th. I know that I'm going to have more questions as I start completing the forms, so I will definitely take you up on that. Thanks so much!

Here is the link to find out if you are eligible to apply for your extension online. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp?d=1&q=n
Click on the "answer a few questions". It will take you to a page with some questions. Very important: 1st Question- What do you want to do in Canada" You want to answer "visit", even though your end goal is PR. This questionnaire is only to determine if you can apply for your extension online. 2nd Question- How long are you planning on staying in Canada? You want to answer it with the Temporarily more or less than 6 months. Don't choose "Permanently". It can be confusing because the end goal is to get PR, but if you answer these questions with that in mind it will take you to the Apply for PR page. LOL *** Save this info***

Applying online is easiest and I have read that the processing of your extension is faster, but it is really your choice. When it gets closer, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

[tweetbr24]

Hi all this forum has been very informative I thank each and everyone who has shared their experience and advice.
Empmarshall you came here 2 days before I did and I am also gathering information re extension to apply for common law sponsorship, I too was planing on applying in Jan but valid points were made to wait until feb in order to get a longer time.

I am also wooried if I get denied etc.. Sigh Lets not worry this site gave alot of useful information, also you can seek free face-face/phone consultation from a immigration lawyer as a second option..



Big up Tracey and Chuck !

 

[TracyCa64]

Here is the link to find out if you are eligible to apply for your extension online. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp?d=1&q=n
Click on the "answer a few questions". It will take you to a page with some questions. Very important: 1st Question- What do you want to do in Canada" You want to answer "visit", even though your end goal is PR. This questionnaire is only to determine if you can apply for your extension online. 2nd Question- How long are you planning on staying in Canada? You want to answer it with the Temporarily more or less than 6 months. Don't choose "Permanently". It can be confusing because the end goal is to get PR, but if you answer these questions with that in mind it will take you to the Apply for PR page. LOL *** Save this info***

Applying online is easiest and I have read that the processing of your extension is faster, but it is really your choice. When it gets closer, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Oh yeah, here is another link for you.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend/visa.asp

 

[epmarshall]

Here is the link to find out if you are eligible to apply for your extension online. http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/mycic.asp?d=1&q=n
Click on the "answer a few questions". It will take you to a page with some questions. Very important: 1st Question- What do you want to do in Canada" You want to answer "visit", even though your end goal is PR. This questionnaire is only to determine if you can apply for your extension online. 2nd Question- How long are you planning on staying in Canada? You want to answer it with the Temporarily more or less than 6 months. Don't choose "Permanently". It can be confusing because the end goal is to get PR, but if you answer these questions with that in mind it will take you to the Apply for PR page. LOL *** Save this info***

Applying online is easiest and I have read that the processing of your extension is faster, but it is really your choice. When it gets closer, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

I'll definitely save that. Again, thanks so much, tracyca64! I'm sure I'll have lots of questions soon so this makes things a lot less stressful.

Hi all this forum has been very informative I thank each and everyone who has shared their experience and advice.
Empmarshall you came here 2 days before I did and I am also gathering information re extension to apply for common law sponsorship, I too was planing on applying in Jan but valid points were made to wait until feb in order to get a longer time.

I am also wooried if I get denied etc.. Sigh Lets not worry this site gave alot of useful information, also you can seek free face-face/phone consultation from a immigration lawyer as a second option..



Big up Tracey and Chuck !

I guess we'll both be submitting around the same time then. Good luck on your extension, tweetbr24!

 

[epmarshall]

Bumping this thread with a few more questions, hopefully someone can answer them for me.

As I mentioned before, I entered Canada on 9-7-15. However, I also visited in February of 2015 for a week. Does that week count toward my extension in any way?

Also my boyfriend's parents want proof that it's legal for me to be here. When I came up, I brought a letter saying I was staying for a week, but ended up staying longer and we decided to go for common law time. Now they are worried because I told the border guard a week and they are saying you have to tell them if you want to stay 180 days. I'm pretty sure this is false, but I kind of need a link to the CIC's site for them to believe me and I'm not sure where to find it.

One more thing is that they are saying the processing time for the visitor extension is like 100 days or so. For that do I just show them implied status?

Thanks everyone! I would really appreciate any help.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

As I mentioned before, I entered Canada on 9-7-15. However, I also visited in February of 2015 for a week. Does that week count toward my extension in any way?

Also my boyfriend's parents want proof that it's legal for me to be here. When I came up, I brought a letter saying I was staying for a week, but ended up staying longer and we decided to go for common law time. Now they are worried because I told the border guard a week and they are saying you have to tell them if you want to stay 180 days. I'm pretty sure this is false, but I kind of need a link to the CIC's site for them to believe me and I'm not sure where to find it.

One more thing is that they are saying the processing time for the visitor extension is like 100 days or so. For that do I just show them implied status?

The week in February means nothing.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/africa/congo-democrat-repub.asp#specialNotes

Length of admissions

An officer at the POE will determine the length of time that a temporary resident (TR) may remain in Canada.

Note: In general stamps issued by CBSA officers at the POE are valid for a period of:

6 months from the date of entry (for visitors);
2 years from the date of entry (for Parents/Grandparents who possess the Super Visa-PG1 TRV or Letter).

If a hand-written date has been placed under the stamp, then the period of authorized stay expires on that date.


I don't understand what you are asking about Implied Status. Show who and for what?

 

[epmarshall]

The week in February means nothing.


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/africa/congo-democrat-repub.asp#specialNotes

Length of admissions

An officer at the POE will determine the length of time that a temporary resident (TR) may remain in Canada.

Note: In general stamps issued by CBSA officers at the POE are valid for a period of:

6 months from the date of entry (for visitors);
2 years from the date of entry (for Parents/Grandparents who possess the Super Visa-PG1 TRV or Letter).

If a hand-written date has been placed under the stamp, then the period of authorized stay expires on that date.


I don't understand what you are asking about Implied Status. Show who and for what?

Hi Canuck. Thanks so much for your response.

As for the implied status thing. My boyfriend's parents are worried that because the processing time is so long for visitor extensions that I will end up out of status by the time it is through. But I can clear that up by showing them the implied status thing, correct? Because that means I'm legally okay after submitting the app for the extension?

Also do you know what I can tell them about the border intent thing? His parents are saying that there is an issue because I told the guard 1 week and have stayed longer. His parents are saying if I was going to stay 6 months, I would have to tell the guard 6 months. But that would get anyone turned away and besides intent can change, I would think. Is there something related to intent that I can share with them to show them this isn't an issue?

Thanks again!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

My boyfriend's parents are worried that because the processing time is so long for visitor extensions that I will end up out of status by the time it is through. But I can clear that up by showing them the implied status thing, correct? Because that means I'm legally okay after submitting the app for the extension?

Also do you know what I can tell them about the border intent thing? His parents are saying that there is an issue because I told the guard 1 week and have stayed longer. His parents are saying if I was going to stay 6 months, I would have to tell the guard 6 months. But that would get anyone turned away and besides intent can change, I would think. Is there something related to intent that I can share with them to show them this isn't an issue?

Yes, you will have Implied Status if you apply before your current visitor status expires. This is legal status that allows you to stay in Canada until you get a decision on your extension app.

No offense but you should tell your boyfriends' parents to shut it. They have no idea what they are talking about. There is nothing I know of related to intent because it doesn't matter. If they are so worried, make an anonymous call to CBSA and get an officer to explain it to them.

 

[epmarshall]

Yes, you will have Implied Status if you apply before your current visitor status expires. This is legal status that allows you to stay in Canada until you get a decision on your extension app.

No offense but you should tell your boyfriends' parents to shut it. They have no idea what they are talking about. There is nothing I know of related to intent because it doesn't matter. If they are so worried, make an anonymous call to CBSA and get an officer to explain it to them.

Yes, we feel the same way. We've been doing our research and they refuse to hear logic even when we show them CIC's site and explain the policies to them. They don't really want to listen to us, so we're just about ready to ignore them altogether. We're paying rent to his mom which she doesn't even pay taxes on, yet we are treated like lawbreakers when we are trying to do the right thing and research the situation. We're moving out soon, though.

Anyway, sorry for rambling on that so much, it's just frustrating. I will make that CBSA call.

Thank you again Canuck for always being so helpful!

 

[Caribou]

Yes, we feel the same way. We've been doing our research and they refuse to hear logic even when we show them CIC's site and explain the policies to them. They don't really want to listen to us, so we're just about ready to ignore them altogether. We're paying rent to his mom which she doesn't even pay taxes on, yet we are treated like lawbreakers when we are trying to do the right thing and research the situation. We're moving out soon, though.

Anyway, sorry for rambling on that so much, it's just frustrating. I will make that CBSA call.

Thank you again Canuck for always being so helpful!

agree. if you live closer to the border, you may try crossing the border.
I live fairly close to the border, and we crossed the border few days before 6 month expired, then crossed the border for a new stamp. The first border officer got really mad why we were not waiting outland blah blah, but at the secondary, the lady border officer gave us VR right away when I told her that it takes too long for extension (like 100 days) and we're just looking at about 3-4 months of visitor status extension until COPR arrives. We had copy of original application, receipt, travel insurance for my spouse, sponsorship approval letter etc. (actually, border officer at the different border told us to just cross the border to get another 6 mo stamp. )
However, if you haven't filed apps yet, then extending it via online would be the way to go. If it's for spousal application, they usually extend VR for ~1 yr.

My spouse said 2 weeks at the border numerous times before we got married, and then stayed for 3 months in Canada. We had no problem.

 

[epmarshall]

agree. if you live closer to the border, you may try crossing the border.
I live fairly close to the border, and we crossed the border few days before 6 month expired, then crossed the border for a new stamp. The first border officer got really mad why we were not waiting outland blah blah, but at the secondary, the lady border officer gave us VR right away when I told her that it takes too long for extension (like 100 days) and we're just looking at about 3-4 months of visitor status extension until COPR arrives. We had copy of original application, receipt, travel insurance for my spouse, sponsorship approval letter etc. (actually, border officer at the different border told us to just cross the border to get another 6 mo stamp. )
However, if you haven't filed apps yet, then extending it via online would be the way to go. If it's for spousal application, they usually extend VR for ~1 yr.

My spouse said 2 weeks at the border numerous times before we got married, and then stayed for 3 months in Canada. We had no problem.

Awesome, thanks for chiming in, Caribou. It's good to hear that she had no issues doing the same thing we are. And we don't have the receipt at the moment, so we're probably just going to extend online as you suggest.
Thanks for your input!

 

[epmarshall]

Another question about extending if that's okay. We were planning to do common law and put on the extension app that we want the extension for the purpose of becoming a common law couple so we can apply for PR. But would it be better to get married first, then submit the extension app saying we intend to apply for PR immediately?

I'm really afraid of being denied the extension and getting separated. I know stressing won't help anything, but it's hard to function with the thought of being denied. How likely is it that they will deny my extension? If getting married makes that less likely, we aren't opposed. Advice is appreciated.

Thanks again, everyone!

 

[TracyCa64]

Another question about extending if that's okay. We were planning to do common law and put on the extension app that we want the extension for the purpose of becoming a common law couple so we can apply for PR. But would it be better to get married first, then submit the extension app saying we intend to apply for PR immediately?

I'm really afraid of being denied the extension and getting separated. I know stressing won't help anything, but it's hard to function with the thought of being denied. How likely is it that they will deny my extension? If getting married makes that less likely, we aren't opposed. Advice is appreciated.

Thanks again, everyone!

I did that on my extension and I was approved. I wrote that I wanted to extend to establish common-law status to then apply for PR. I have been in Canada for almost 2 years as a visitor. I think as long as there are no red flags they are likely to approve extensions for that reason. I am just answering on my experience and all the info I have read here on the forum.

How much more time do you need to become common-law partners?

 

[epmarshall]

I did that on my extension and I was approved. I wrote that I wanted to extend to establish common-law status to then apply for PR. I have been in Canada for almost 2 years as a visitor. I think as long as there are no red flags they are likely to approve extensions for that reason. I am just answering on my experience and all the info I have read here on the forum.

How much more time do you need to become common-law partners?

Hey again, Tracy. It really relieves me to hear you say that you've been here for nearly 2 years on visitor status. It will be great to have your help on this especially given that fact. I'll be starting it this week, I think.

We need another 6 months after Feb. 7th. This is our first extension.

 

[TracyCa64]

Hey again, Tracy. It really relieves me to hear you say that you've been here for nearly 2 years on visitor status. It will be great to have your help on this especially given that fact. I'll be starting it this week, I think.

We need another 6 months after Feb. 7th. This is our first extension.

Hey there epmarshall!!
Yes, I will help you in any way you need. I actually just applied for another extension this month, so it's all fresh in my mind. LOL
I think back in December I gave you the link to determine if you can apply online. When you answer the questions it will guide you to your next steps. If you have any questions, everyone here is very helpful or you can PM me.

For my first extension I asked for 8 months and was approved. I needed 6 of those months to establish our common-law.
I would have asked for a little more but I knew I was leaving for California in May 2015 so I only asked from Oct-June 1, 2015. I put the reason for my extension as wanting to establish common-law so we could apply for PR. I knew when I got back to Canada we would be applying for PR.

On the section where you have to list how long you want to extend your stay in Canada, the "from" would be the date your status expires and the "to" would be the date of what you need to establish common-law and you can even ask for a little more too. I would probably ask for a year if it were me or at least till the end of the year.

It's taking a long time for extensions to be approved but you will be on implied status after your status expiration date until they give you a decision.

Keep in touch!!
Smiles!!