Using the online visitor-visa to extend my stay

[ddny]

I am US citizen visiting Canada to relax for a while (a long while) and was considering using the online extension process. The situation: I got here last June, stayed for less than six months, went back to the US for 3 weeks, and came back in December. Now I have been here about five months and would like to extend for another six months. Will I have a problem since I have been here 11 out of the past 12 months, and would be here nearly 18 months total by the end of my stay?

I would feel more comfortable crossing the border because I feel like I can talk to someone if there is any problem. Since I have a summer lease on an apartment, I would hate to apply online and be denied. I don't how/if I can overturn a decision to deny my extension online? I don't mind if at the border they say "this is your last six months" since I don't plan on staying past this summer anyway.

Is the online extension of a US citizen visitor visa a "rubber stamp" process, or do I have something to worry about since I have been up here longer than a typical visitor?

Thanks for the help,
DDNY

 

[Nej]

There's no problem with you staying the time you stay since your status is legal. It doesn't matter if you apply online or mail the app, the desicion of the Immigration Officer won't change whether they'll let you stay longer. For any extension it's a 50/50 chance depending on whether the IO is satisfied with the info you give them. When you file for an extension, show as much ties to the US as possible (job, bank statement, return ticket) so they don't think you'll try to overstay your visit.

 

[ddny]

Thanks for the information. I have a couple weeks to decide, and I am still not sure what I will do.

Cheers,
DDNY

 

[job_seeker]

Thanks for the information. I have a couple weeks to decide, and I am still not sure what I will do.

Cheers,
DDNY

Show proof that you are still a visitor and not residing permanently. And I don't think the extension of US citizen visitor visa, online or otherwise is a rubber stamp process since there had been posts from citizens of the US where their extensions had been denied.

 

[ddny]

Last time I "renewed" I went across the border for three weeks and then returned. I was thinking of using that method again, to show that I still spend time in the US. Would that be a better alternative to online renewal?

It would be a big hassle (and expense) but worth it to make things easier to stay in BC.

- DDNY

 

[job_seeker]

Last time I "renewed" I went across the border for three weeks and then returned. I was thinking of using that method again, to show that I still spend time in the US. Would that be a better alternative to online renewal?

It would be a big hassle (and expense) but worth it to make things easier to stay in BC.

- DDNY

Sometimes it works ("flagpoling", as it is called), sometimes it does not; depends upon the port of entry officer waking up on the right side or wrong side of bed. But it would really help if you can show ties to the US like a job, your residence/family in the US.

 

[BeShoo]

You can wait to submit it until the day before your current permission to stay expires. They are currently taking 62 days to process applications and they seem to be getting busier (typical for summertime). You are allowed to stay in Canada while you wait for the decision (implied status).

So, if you apply for an extension in June, you won't get an answer until August. I'm not sure, but I think if you are denied an extension they usually give you 30 days to leave the country. If that is true, it will be September before you actually have to go. I don't know if that timeline helps with your decision.