+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

USA STUDENT STUDYING ABROAD

randa94

Newbie
Mar 16, 2015
2
0
This is my first time posting here so I'm not sure if I will be in the right section since this is a multi part question.

I am a undergraduate Nutritional Science student from the states looking to apply to study abroad in Canada for 1 semester. After that semester I would have to return to finish my schooling (another 2 semesters worth). I would be living with my boyfriend who is a Canadian citizen (we met online and have been together a year and half so far with multiple visits to each other over that time span). I want to study abroad for multiple reasons 1. I hate the University I currently attend and 2. To spend more time with my boyfriend - be able to live together for a little
My questions are:
1. As a US citizen I know I don't need a visa to visit Canada but would I have to get a student visa for the 6 months I would be there studying for the semester?
2. I know as a full time student at a university you are able to either work on campus or off campus (up to 20hr/wk) - is this true of programs lasting 6 months or less or only for those with a student visa? Also I would be working for an online company that was created in Canada- I'm not sure what restrictions come with online work.
3. If I study for the 6 months and live with my boyfriend during that time could I A. be denied entry or B. screw us over for when we decide to get married? ( I would likely be moving there as opposed to him moving here).



In the long term we want to get married and we were thinking that study abroad would be a way to legitimize our relationship. Once I graduate I would be working as a Nutritionist which is a skilled worker position, would that be better to apply for than to get married? I'm not sure if I would need a job offer in that situation.


I had also read on other forums of people visiting each other and applying for an extension on their visitor visa for the purpose of establishing common law - is this legal?



thank you anyone for your help in figuring out this complex process.
 

scylla

VIP Member
Jun 8, 2010
96,886
22,858
Toronto
Category........
Visa Office......
Buffalo
Job Offer........
Pre-Assessed..
App. Filed.......
28-05-2010
AOR Received.
19-08-2010
File Transfer...
28-06-2010
Passport Req..
01-10-2010
VISA ISSUED...
05-10-2010
LANDED..........
05-10-2010
1. If the program is six months or less then no study permit is required.
2. If the program is six months or less - then you can't work off campus. It doesn't matter that the work is online - same rules still apply. Since the company is Canadian and/or has Canadian clients, you would need an off campus work permit to work for them in Canada and would also be limited to working 20 hours per week.
3. No impact to your future plans.