U.S. citizen immigrating to Canada to live with canadian citizen boyfriend

[mrykgrl]

I'm new to this forum so please bear with me. I've been reading through it today but still a little confused as to how and when I should start the process for my PRC. I am entering Canada as a visitor in 2 weeks...from what I understand I can then legally stay as a visitor for 6 months. I will be living with my boyfriend permanently. After that I'll need to apply for an extended visa stay.

1) Should my boyfriend sponsor me as common law partners or as conjugal partners?
2) Can I apply for my PRC as soon as I enter Canada on my passport or when is the best time to apply?
3) Can I work before I get my PRC or do I have to wait til I have that in hand?
4) How long can I stay with an extended visa?

 

[CharlieD10]

1. He cannot sponsor you as common-law until you have 12 months of provable cohabitation. Your chances of succeeding as conjugal partners are slim.

2. Your b/f is the one who makes the application on your behalf, you cannot make the application with just your passport.

3. You must have PR or a work permit in order to work in Canada.

4. As long as they give you.

Please read the first post in the first thread by Leon, it will give you a good overview.

 

[mrykgrl]

Thank you Charlie for your response. I am going to Canada next month to live with my b/f. I will have to apply for an extended visa 6 months later in March 2013. He won't be able to apply until next September 2013. Here's my question...
1) What happens if my extension expires before I get my PRC?
2) Can I apply for another extension or will I have to go back to the U.S. and for how long?

 

[CharlieD10]

Whatever you do, don't tell the border officers you are coming to Canada to live with your boyfriend. You can't "live" here unless you are a citizen or a permanent resident or have a work permit or study permit. You are coming to "visit". If you use the word "live" at the border, with no proof of any of those things, they can refuse you entry into Canada and even ban you from entering the country for however long they decide.

To answer your questions:

1) You keep requesting extensions until your PR is approved. You are responsible for keeping your temporary status legal until such time as you have a permanent one.

2) See answer to question 1. If you are refused an extension, you should return to the US ASAP after being notified of the refusal. You should not return to Canada for awhile, you run the risk of being refused entry or excluded if you make multiple entry attempts after being refused an extension.

 

[couteausnob]

If your extension expires before your PR application is finished processing, you can apply for another, or return to the US for a vacation (no specific length required) and cross the border again. However, should you choose to cross again once your application has been submitted, it's highly recommended that you do so WITH your sponsor, and bring proof of your application (e.g. receipts for the processing fees and shipping, some even recommend keeping a copy of your application with you in case you get a border officer who wants to see proof that you're in a qualifying relationship). That said, it's generally easier and less stressful to apply for an extension from within Canada, as there's less risk of being refused by an employee who's having a bad day.

You probably already know this, but I just want to make sure you're clear about your initial visit: It's only a visit, even if you plan to stay. Whatever you do, do not tell the border officer that you're moving in with your boyfriend in Canada. This makes you a serious overstay risk, and you'll most likely be refused entry, because you can't move to another country without that government's permission. Until then, you're a visitor, and you'll need to be able to show significant ties to the US in order to prove that you can and will go back after your visit is over. Of course, I understand that this is difficult if you've in fact severed ties in the US in order to be with your boyfriend, but be prepared with as much as you can, including proof of your ability to support yourself during your stay without working illegally. If you're traveling by plane or bus, buy a return ticket for a reasonable date (i.e. within a few weeks of your arrival). There's no law against changing your mind later and cancelling that ticket in order to stay longer, as long as you don't stay beyond the date stamped in your passport. Showing up and saying that you want to stay for 6 months will make them very suspicious of your intentions. Most people also recommend avoiding mention of a romantic relationship, instead referring to your boyfriend as a "friend," though others have had little trouble with this.

Hope this helps!

 

[mrykgrl]

He's flying here and we're driving to Canada together...will that be an issue with border patrol? When I tell them that I'm going for a "visit" and they ask how long I'm intending to stay...what should I tell them? I won't have a return plane ticket like I have in the past. This is the first time we're driving to Canada. I don't want to create any suspicions with the border or give them reason to refuse me. I want to make this as easy as possible.

 

[CharlieD10]

If he's driving you over the border, let him do the talking and make sure he uses the correct terminology as well. It should be clear he's bringing you over for a visit so you can spend time together in Canada.

As for how long you're visiting, it's "for as long as they'll let you" really, but give them a realistic date, even if you don't actually plan to leave at that time (plans change all the time). Do not, whatever you do, pack up all your belongings in the car and bring a U-haul or anything like that. Do ensure you retain some form of documentation about your ability to support yourself such as bank statements.

 

[couteausnob]

If it's feasible, you could also plan to attend some local event (fair, carnival, concert, etc.) that's happening soon after your arrival, mentioning the event itself as your reason for visiting at this particular time. I found myself in a similar situation several months ago, and thankfully there happened to be a major annual carnival a few days after I crossed. As it happens, the immigration officer I spoke with didn't even ask about my plans, but it was reassuring knowing that the receipt for my carnival ticket was there in case it came up.

 

[blueangel371115]

If he's driving you over the border, let him do the talking and make sure he uses the correct terminology as well. It should be clear he's bringing you over for a visit so you can spend time together in Canada.

As for how long you're visiting, it's "for as long as they'll let you" really, but give them a realistic date, even if you don't actually plan to leave at that time (plans change all the time). Do not, whatever you do, pack up all your belongings in the car and bring a U-haul or anything like that. Do ensure you retain some form of documentation about your ability to support yourself such as bank statements.

I am in a similar boat here. I'm 'visiting' for and extended period of time also. The only difference is my father is driving me. I don't have a vehicle. I my boyfriend is meeting us at our usual meeting spot, the next town past the border. What should my father tell the CBSA? I also don't want them to think my parents are also staying as they will be heading right back to the US after dropping me off.

 

[mrykgrl]

I have crossed the border to Canada with my boyfriend...we drove. The border patrol stamped my passport for October 31st which gives me only 6 weeks for a visit. I understand that I need to now extend my visit.
1) What reason do I give for wanting to extend my visit on the application?
2) How long will they extend my visit?
3) My boyfriend would like his mother to live with us instead of assisted living...can I help with the caregiving?

 

[scylla]

1) I'll let others who have experience in this area answer this specific question.
2) Unfortunately it's impossible to say. They could give you six months, they could give you less or they could refuse the extension completely.
3) As long as you're not being paid it should be OK. Do not mention this in your extension application. CIC will probably see this as working.

 

[mrykgrl]

Would it be easier to go back to the U.S. for a few weeks instead of applying for an extension so soon? That way I could come back into Canada and hope that I can get an initial 6 months. I just don't understand why they only gave me 6 weeks, I've always been given 6 months for my previous visits when I have flown into Canada, but this was my 1st time that we drove across the border.

 

[Sunshine87]

They were probably under suspicion that you would be staying longer than what you had told them. I really think that flying alone is a safer way to get the 6 month stay without a problem. When my husband and I were first dating, he never had problems clearing Canada customs. But a few times we took trips across the border in the car, they always seemed more suspicious of our plans.

If I were you, I'd probably drive back to the US before your 6 weeks is up. Then fly back to Canada in 3-4 weeks. I think the absence of the car and your boyfriend will simplify the situation.. and take couteausnob's advice. Look for a concert or some sort of event close to when you arrive in Canada and tell them you came for that specific event.

 

[AnaMaria]

Would it be easier to go back to the U.S. for a few weeks instead of applying for an extension so soon? That way I could come back into Canada and hope that I can get an initial 6 months. I just don't understand why they only gave me 6 weeks, I've always been given 6 months for my previous visits when I have flown into Canada, but this was my 1st time that we drove across the border.

How often and how long have you traveled to US in the past years?

 

[Hnhkrk]

In July of 2012 I 'moved' to Canada unofficially with the plan to stay in Canada as a 'visitor' with my husband while my PR application went through processing.

When I came to Canada I flew by myself, carrying only 2 large checked bags and 2 medium sized carry on bags. When I went through customs I simply told them what I always had: That I was coming to Canada to spend time with my boyfriend, and that I was going to be returning in a month. I didn't say anything about moving, getting married, or applying for PR. I had a return ticket because my flights were booked BEFORE it was decided that I was going to stay in Canada, but they didn't ask for it. The stamped my passport without a date which means that I will get to stay in Canada worry free for 6 months.

In November I will applying for a Visitors Visa extension in hopes that I will get it extended for another 6 months, which practically ensures that my PR application will be finished by the time my Visitors Visa will have expired, which means I won't run the risk of applying for ANOTHER extension.

However, I didn't decided to unofficially 'move' to Canada without first asking my relatives who live right across the border if they would be willing to take me in my of extension is denied. Although this plan is almost fail-proof for US citizens, I suggest that everyone have some sort of backup plan.