Visitor from the UK coming to visit Canadian boyfriend

[nataliew83]

I am coming to Canada to visit my boyfriend who is a Canadian citizen, Originally my plan was to visit for a five week vacation, but after much discussion we have decided that I will stay longer, hopefully for the six months. I have a return flight booked for 5 weeks, as this was booked before we discussed me staying. Would this be any problem with Immagration on arrival? I have read on the government website that the UK is visa exempt.
I have read various forums and seen posts that this may be difficult. I will not be working whilst in Canada and am bringing savings with me and my boyfriend has agreed to support me as I will be living with him. Is there any documentation I will need to show upon entering Canada to prove this?

I wondered which is the best way to go about this, would it be better to tell the border guard I am planning on staying longer and my intentions or would it be better to say I am coming to travel?

Also we are planning a trip form Canada to the US by road, if I leave Canada and then try and re-enter will there be any problems in doing this?

Thanks in advance for your help

 

[matthewc]

Personally, in your situation if it was me I'd be inclined to say I was staying 5 weeks to match my return flight, to avoid hassle... then change my plans later. Almost always they'll stamp your passport without an end date on the stamp, which - by default - gives you 6 months. If you tell them you plan to stay six months, you're asking for more scrutiny.

That said, if they think you're lying for any reason, that would definitely be a big problem. Your call. If you tell them you plan to stay 6 months, be prepared to prove you have enough money to support yourself. Have your boyfriend's address and phone number in your hand luggage so you can give it to them if they ask, and if he's meeting you at the airport tell them that so (if they're really suspicious) they can verify your story with him... also carry proof of his ability to support you if that's part of the plan (e.g. copy of his bank statement). It shouldn't be a problem - I'm from the UK and had at least one stint as a visitor for the full 6 months (being up front about that being my plan). If they can see your plans are genuine, you have sufficient means to support yourself without working, and understand the need to leave at the end of your visit or extend your stay to maintain legal status in Canada, you shouldn't have trouble.

 

[arjline06]

Going and having a vacation in Canada is great, especially when you will be with your boyfriend there. But Matthew was right, you should be sure that you can support yourself in financial matter. And your boyfriend should accept any responsibilities to you whatever happens.