Visiting from Poland - typical length of stay allowed?

[ChampagneSupernova]

Hi everyone,

Quick question. My GF is visiting me from Poland, she has a biometric passport. Now, the Gov. website says that the maximum length of stay is 6 months, BUT it will only be determined by the border agents upon entry as to how long she can actually stay. Has any one been through this? What length of stay can she expect to be granted?

Thanks!

 

[scylla]

She should expect to be granted six months. But ultimately it's up to the border agent she encounters at immigration.

 

[ChampagneSupernova]

She should expect to be granted six months. But ultimately it's up to the border agent she encounters at immigration.

Thanks! Do you know what the agents are looking at? Or what can impact their decision? She will have a return ticket with her, I'll write up and invitation letter for them to read... anything else? Also, return ticket wise. What if the return flight is in 4 months, but they grant only 3? Is that possible?

Thanks again!

 

[scylla]

Yes - it's possible for them to grant any lenght of stay they wish.

Generally they are looking to make sure that someone is a genuine visitor and has no plans to remain in Canada long term or to work illegally. Bringing documents that demonstrate you have strong ties to your home country is a good idea (e.g. proof of employment, proof of school enrollment, proof of property ownership) - but don't show this information unless asked. Having a return ticket is very good. I would also recommend having health insurance to cover the say. Also, being able to show that you have sufficient money in the bank to fund your trip (I would say $1K a month minimum).

 

[larryUK]

Thanks! Do you know what the agents are looking at? Or what can impact their decision? She will have a return ticket with her, I'll write up and invitation letter for them to read... anything else? Also, return ticket wise. What if the return flight is in 4 months, but they grant only 3? Is that possible?

Thanks again!

I think they would probably grant her the 4 months to match the return ticket, isuue her a Visitor Record, that was my experience anyway. And extending further to the 6 months or beyond would not be too difficult. They tend to examine people more closely if they know you're coming to stay for a long time with a partner though in my experience they never asked for proof of things like ties back home.

 

[ChampagneSupernova]

I think they would probably grant her the 4 months to match the return ticket, isuue her a Visitor Record, that was my experience anyway. And extending further to the 6 months or beyond would not be too difficult. They tend to examine people more closely if they know you're coming to stay for a long time with a partner though in my experience they never asked for proof of things like ties back home.

So what would you recommend? Stating the visit is for 2 months and then try to extend it once she is granted at least those 2 months? Also, any one willing to share personal experiences are very welcome

Thanks!

 

[larryUK]

So what would you recommend? Stating the visit is for 2 months and then try to extend it once she is granted at least those 2 months? Also, any one willing to share personal experiences are very welcome

Thanks!

This is my experience.

First time I visited was in 2010, for a 3 weeks stay I was honest from the outset and told them I was visiting/staying with GF, my passport was stamped and I was sent on my way. Technically I could of stayed 6 months then if I wanted from the date in my passport as I was not sent to immigration and given a Visitor record.

6 months later in 2011 I returned, this time for a 4 week stay, again I was totally honest and the same thing happened as above, again I could of stayed for 6 months as all I got was stamp in passport and no Visitor Record.

4 months later in 2011 I returned, initially with a return ticket booked for 3 months. This time something different happened (probably a combination of longer stay and repeated visits) and I was sent to immigration, they asked questions about my stay (again totally honest), about my job, what money I had available (though asked for no proof), checked my return ticket out etc....nothing too major in all honesty (the worst thing was I had a shortish time to get to a connecting flight and they really seemed to drag their heels! There was a queue of about 6 of us and no one was even seen for about 20 minutes, must of been their dinner hour??) except this time I was issued a Visitor Record which said I had to leave after 3 months. Kind of funny really when you the first 2 times I wouldn't of been doing anything illegal if I had stayed 6 months and this time I'm only given 3 months. But anyway I applied for 3 month extension bringing my stay to 6 months and after that another 3 months extension making 9 months though I returned back to the UK after 7 months after being offered some work for a while.

I intend to return again soon after about a 4/5 months back in the UK, for at least a 3 month stay initially, so am expecting quite a few questions again though am not overly worried. We will be married then going for PR, so hopefully no more bobbing back and forth as a visitor soon.

Really for visa exempt countries it's not too much of a problem to stay for 3/6 months, providing things like a return ticket is booked.