Renewing Visitor Visa and Common Law Partner

[Jenny8497]

I have a couple of questions.

I am a South African Citizen. I was in the USA for the year of 2016. I met my boyfriend who lives in Canada. We have visited back and forth over the past year. I am now in Canada on a visitor visa (multiple entry) valid until 2025.

I want to apply for an extension on my current visitor RECORD. We would like to achieve common law so that he can sponsor me.

I will be including a guarantor letter from my parents that they will be sending money to me every month and that they will purchase my return flight. They will attach pay stubs to prove their income. Besides this fact my boyfriend will be taking care of my expenses while I am here in Canada and we will provide supporting documentation. My questions are.

Should I tell CIC that I want to extend my visitor visa in order to qualify for common law? I have only been here for two weeks so we haven't put my name on the lease or started a joint bank account.

Would it be better to ask for a 6 month extension and tell CIC that I am still exploring the relationship, this will be my first time I'm asking for an extension.

I will be applying online, does this mean that I have implied status while waiting for their decision?

I'm scared that they will deny me if I ask for an extension the first time stating that we want to achieve common law.

Thank you!

 

[Jalex23]

Should I tell CIC that I want to extend my visitor visa in order to qualify for common law? I have only been here for two weeks so we haven't put my name on the lease or started a joint bank account.

Then do so. You need to show evidence of actually pursuing common law. Getting your name on the lease and starting a joint account can be done the same day and this will help you achieve your goal.

Would it be better to ask for a 6 month extension and tell CIC that I am still exploring the relationship, this will be my first time I'm asking for an extension.

Lying to CIC is never recommended.

I will be applying online, does this mean that I have implied status while waiting for their decision?

Yes.

I'm scared that they will deny me if I ask for an extension the first time stating that we want to achieve common law.

Then get married, that makes everything easier. You can get married this same week and then submit the application in a couple of weeks. This has better chances, is way easier and faster than working towards common law.