Questions about moving to Canada with my boyfriend

[lorax4]

I'm planning to "move" to Vancouver to be with my Canadian boyfriend this summer. I have read many of the posts and gotten a lot of good information from them - thanks! Of course I still have some questions

1) Some people say to arrive at the border separately and not mention a romantic relationship, whereas other say it's better to arrive together and have the Canadian do the talking. Is one really easier/better than the other?
2) I understand that Americans can stay up to 6 months (or whenever the border guard stamps the passport) as visitors without a visa. Does this visitor stay restart after a return visit to the US? Someone wrote there is no specific length needed - is this true? Also, people mentioned about a "Visitors Visa" and having to continue to extend this while waiting to hear back about PR. Can someone explain what this means as my understanding is Americans do not need a visa to visit (if not working or studying)?
3) I looked at the list of documents to prove common law status in order to apply for PR - are certain or all of these required? Or is it kind of subjective?

Thanks!

 

[RajaJi]

I'm planning to "move" to Vancouver to be with my Canadian boyfriend this summer. I have read many of the posts and gotten a lot of good information from them - thanks! Of course I still have some questions

1) Some people say to arrive at the border separately and not mention a romantic relationship, whereas other say it's better to arrive together and have the Canadian do the talking. Is one really easier/better than the other?
2) I understand that Americans can stay up to 6 months (or whenever the border guard stamps the passport) as visitors without a visa. Does this visitor stay restart after a return visit to the US? Someone wrote there is no specific length needed - is this true? Also, people mentioned about a "Visitors Visa" and having to continue to extend this while waiting to hear back about PR. Can someone explain what this means as my understanding is Americans do not need a visa to visit (if not working or studying)?
3) I looked at the list of documents to prove common law status in order to apply for PR - are certain or all of these required? Or is it kind of subjective?

Thanks!

1. IMO, If you are going to be with your boyfriend, it is better to tell that. That is the purpose of your visit. Arriving together will show that you have a relationship and it will help when you apply for PR. It is not necessary though. Neither way is really easier/better than the other.

2. Generally, one will get to stay for six months on a visitor visa/status. You must depart within your authorized stay unless you apply to extend the stay at least 30 days prior to expiration. You can leave before expiration of your initial visit and come back again. IO may allow another six months or less or even can deny entry. Americans do not need a visa but admission to Canada is not guaranteed

3. Some documents are required and others are optional. Submit as much as evidence you can to establish a strong and genuine relationship

 

[sariss]

Just try to show that you have ties back to the US. If you arrive when your significant other and don't show proof that you plan to leave when your visitor record is up, they may not give you 6 months.

 

[lorax4]

Thanks very much - this is helpful.

Just to make sure, when you say apply to extend the visitor visa/status are you talking about the process on the CIC website called "Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor"?

So it sounds like it's best to limit in-between trips back over the border because they could authorize an even shorter stay. For example, if I go over in July and they authorize me to stay for 6 months as a visitor. Three months later I return to the US for a few weeks, then try to go back to Canada. Would this still be within my 6 months authorized visit or would it start over with another authorized amount of time (or not if they deny entry)?

Thanks again!

 

[RajaJi]

Thanks very much - this is helpful.

Just to make sure, when you say apply to extend the visitor visa/status are you talking about the process on the CIC website called "Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor"?

Yes.

So it sounds like it's best to limit in-between trips back over the border because they could authorize an even shorter stay. For example, if I go over in July and they authorize me to stay for 6 months as a visitor. Three months later I return to the US for a few weeks, then try to go back to Canada. Would this still be within my 6 months authorized visit or would it start over with another authorized amount of time (or not if they deny entry)?

Thanks again!

You can stay for up to 6 months (if so allowed on admission and return before expiration of authorized stay) and can re-enter after few weeks. You may get another six months. Some members on this forum have done the same without any problems. But again it depends on IO and varies according to individual situation/circumstances.

 

[canadianwoman]

You can just go back and forth over the border. The 6-month stay is granted each time you enter - though of course the border agent may give you less, or deny entry.
Some people have trouble after a few times going back and forth, others are never questioned. I'd bring proof of your ties to the USA, which may never be asked for - but just to be safe.

Once you have submitted the PR visa application, take proof you have submitted it (proof of payment, or the letter approving your sponsor) when you leave and come back to Canada.

 

[lorax4]

Thanks a lot! Great advice