Visiting Canada for a year...possible?

[Soten]

Hi there everyone!

So, i'm a health professional and i'm going to attend some short term courses that extend throughout the year (5 days February, 5 May and 5 September) in Vancouver, visiting a colleague for 15 days in saskatchewan for professional experience Exchange and i would also visit and stay in the Vancouver area.

I already tried to talk to the immigration oficial email about this case but they keep sending me the link for their website.

My question here is if there is some way i can apply for a Visa that enables me to stay for the full year (January to December 2015) and how can i apply for it?

I thank you all in advance for the help

Best

 

[Soten]

I forgot to mention that i'm from Portugal...

 

[scylla]

There is no visitor visa that allows you to stay in Canada for a year.

Since you hold a visa exempt passport, you may visit Canada for up to six months without applying for a visa (note that how long you are actually allowed into Canada for is up to the immigration officer you encounter when you enter Canada). Once you are close to the end of your visit in Canada, you can certainly apply for an extension and ask to be allowed to stay in Canada longer.

 

[Soten]

Thank you scylla!

So, is it best for me to just fly to Canada and then talk to the officer explaining my case and he/she will allow me? Should i take some documents to show what i will be attending and doing?

 

[scylla]

Yes - you would just fly to Canada and explain that you are taking a short term course. I would not say that you want to remain in Canada for a year when you arrive. This could make the officer suspect you have plans to remain long term and create issues with your entry into Canada. You should make sure you carry proof you have ties to your home country (property, job, return flight) and plan to return once your course is over. You should also carry a bank statement to show that you have enough money to fund your visit to Canada and pay for your course. You should also carry proof from your school that confirmed you are enrolled. Don't overpack. If you pack like you're moving to Canada, this may once again create problems for you.

Note that you will not be covered by Canada's health care system as a visitor. So make sure you purcase travel insurnce. I assume you are aware that you will not be able to work in Canada as a visitor.

 

[Soten]

Ok. So it is better to try another type of visa? Because i will probably have to work part time. Or can i change my status while i remain in Canada?
Thank you again for your help.

 

[scylla]

You can only work part time while attending classes in Canada if you are studying a full time program that is more than six months long - and if that program is being taught by an approved school. If you decide to take a full time program that is greater than six months in length, then you'll need to apply for a study visa (you won't be able to come to Canada on just your passport). The very short program you are planning on taking now will not allow you to work while in Canada.

Otherwise, if you want to work in Canada but don't want to study full time, then you will need to first find an employer who is willing to offer you a full time job in Canada (note that the job must be full time - not part time). That employer will then have to advertise the job for at least one month to prove no Canadian could be found for the role. Then the employer will have to pay a $1K processing fee and request approval to hire you. Processing for this approval can take anywhere from 6-16+ weeks. Once your employer has approved to hire you, you can then apply for a work permit. Note that it tends to be quite difficult to find employers who are willing to go through this process due to the cost and amount of time it takes.

 

[Soten]

I understand now. Great help. Thank you scylla.