visitor record required

[marta cocchi]

I am an Italian citizen with a Canadian partner. Since I met my boyfriend in 2011, I have been coming to Canada as a visitor more than five times, spending more and more time in Canada, yet always leaving before the 6 months expiry date of my visa. I never had problems coming into the country, just showing an invitation letter from my boyfriend's family and a copy of my bank account statement proving I have enough funds to support myself during my stay.
The last time my flight landed in Canada, on the contrary, I got questioned more thoroughly and the immigration officer finally let me in, but advised I should call CIC call centre and ask for a visitor record or I risk not be allowed to enter Canada on my next trip.

I have a few doubts about this type of visitor record:
How long is a visitor record for?
Will I be allowed to leave Canada and come back on a visitor record?
Will I be able to renew my visitor record multiple times?
How much does a visitor record costs?
What type of documents and personal information will I be asked when applying for a visitor record?

Thank you

 

[Aquakitty]

I am an Italian citizen with a Canadian partner. Since I met my boyfriend in 2011, I have been coming to Canada as a visitor more than five times, spending more and more time in Canada, yet always leaving before the 6 months expiry date of my visa. I never had problems coming into the country, just showing an invitation letter from my boyfriend's family and a copy of my bank account statement proving I have enough funds to support myself during my stay.
The last time my flight landed in Canada, on the contrary, I got questioned more thoroughly and the immigration officer finally let me in, but advised I should call CIC call centre and ask for a visitor record or I risk not be allowed to enter Canada on my next trip.

I have a few doubts about this type of visitor record:
How long is a visitor record for?
Will I be allowed to leave Canada and come back on a visitor record?
Will I be able to renew my visitor record multiple times?
How much does a visitor record costs?
What type of documents and personal information will I be asked when applying for a visitor record?

Thank you

A visitor record is a document that is sometimes given to people from visa-exempt countries usually to limit the amount of time they are allowed to stay, to keep "tabs" on them so to speak if the officer suspects you might overstay. Even a visitor record doesn't mean you will be let into the country.

You will also get a visitor record if you apply to extend your stay in Canada, for instance, about a month before your stay expires (either whatever it says on your vr, or at the 6 month mark).

They are handy to have as you can use it to get a temporary driving license, bank account etc.

You may be able to request a vr as the officer said, that I am not sure of. My husband always got his at the border (you can request it there) or from extending his stay.

he officer could have given you one at your border crossing which makes me think they were confused on what they were saying.

I'm guessing you were probably hassled because you are not supposed to be living in Canada as a visitor, technically. They want people who are living in Canada to apply for a PR if you want to live in Canada. If you really are just visiting then you have nothing to worry about, the officer was just being an ass. In the future, bring proof of ties to your home country (titles for vehicles or real estate, rental agreements etc) so if they ask for proof or hassle you you can put them at ease.

Hope this helps!

 

[marta cocchi]

Thank you so much for your reply, Aquakitty.
When you speak of PR you mean Permanent Resident? I don't think I qualify for any type of visa, as I do not intend to word and my boyfriend is not wealthy. Would you be so kind to send me the link to some good article on the forum where I can read more about PR? Thanx again!

 

[Msafiri]

Thank you so much for your reply, Aquakitty.
When you speak of PR you mean Permanent Resident? I don't think I qualify for any type of visa, as I do not intend to word and my boyfriend is not wealthy. Would you be so kind to send me the link to some good article on the forum where I can read more about PR? Thanx again!

Your visits to Canada are not typical of a 'normal bonafide visitor' is the message the border agent was giving you. Those who visit the country for long periods are considered a significant risk of working illegally. Also typically as a visitor for any given year (be it annual or calendar) you should be outside Canada more than you are inside Canada and it seems from your visits that the ratio could be the other way. CBSA agent gave you a break since he could have refused you entry as a minimum or even excluded you. It may be best for your bf to visit you a couple of time for a change. Alternatively depending on your relationship you can look into sponsorship under the family class. There are also options to immigrate in various employment/ economic streams. For information on both go to www.cic.gc.ca and head to the 'immigration' section.

 

[garry22]

Hi i am living in Canada from last 2 years , i just finished my study and i applied for work permit. I want to know that my brother is married and he wants to come to Canada with his wife . So , can u please help me that how they can apply and all the procedure that they have to follow.
Thanks
Garry

 

[marta cocchi]

Thank you so much, I followed your advice and I'm preparing the documents to apply for a common law visa. I will post in that section of the forum from now on.

@Garry: sorry I don't know how to help you, maybe you should start a new post specifying where your brother is from and how long he intends to stay in Canada with his wife.

 

[CVIF123]

Hi i am living in Canada from last 2 years , i just finished my study and i applied for work permit. I want to know that my brother is married and he wants to come to Canada with his wife . So , can u please help me that how they can apply and all the procedure that they have to follow.
Thanks
Garry

Garry, you can apply through FSW-Express entry program. Go to below link explains the procedure to apply

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/index.asp

 

[calgary17]

Can visitor record of minor dependent child be extended? Parent is on work permit. What is the process to do it and how long it takes?