Visitor Visa Renewing and Settlement

[dannyontheroad]

Hello everybody! I've got a question for you.

Suppose I've got a profitable activity on the Internet which grants me enough money to live well, something like $ 7.000 per month, and suppose I like Canadian life so much that I'd like to live in Canada and do that job from there (I'm a foreigner).

It's not a recognized job. Hence, none of the working visa suits this situation. Could I stay by renewing a Visitor Visa every 6 months, just telling the truth and - obviously - showing a proof of funds on my bank account to guarantee I can not only afford a wealthy life, but also be a high-potential consumer in Canadian Society?

Somebody told me there are many people living in Canada that way for years, but I answered I'm not gonna feel very comfortable with that, since at certain point I could meet a visa officer having had an off-day, who decides to send me home... so I'm wondering: is this a real prospect? What are my odds?

Thanks in advance for all possible support.

 

[dannyontheroad]

Can I "up" this question? (ups just did it )

I'm sorry, but it's a question I particularly concern about.

 

[amikety]

The answer will depend a lot on: what is your home country.

You have a much better success of staying long term if you are visa exempt.

However, if the IO decides you are "living" in Canada permanently, it's an easy denial.

 

[dannyontheroad]

I'm from Italy, so Visa Exempt. Does it really help? Nice to know that. Anyway I suppose I DO have to get a TRV after first 6 months (or 12? Don't remember) of Visa exempt sojourn, don't I?

As a matter of fact, what I'm trying to do is to stay in Canada "ad libitum" this way (i.e. as long as I consider worthwhile), which somebody could consider "permanently" 's brother.

I would stress that I don't want to find any cop-out not to mention to lie to any officer. If this is not the right way, I'll just find other cleaner ways to stay. I'm just wondering how much this path is viable and what are the odds.

 

[amikety]

You don't need a TRV. After 5 months, you'll need to apply for a Visitor's Record. When you extend your stay online or by mail as a visa exempt citizen, you get a Visitor's Record. (Not TRV, but if you apply online at least, the portal uses the same links and populates a slightly different application after you input your information.) CIC asks you apply with at least 30 days, if possible. (Don't worry, if it slips your mind and you apply with 25 days left or even 1 day left, you won't be punished or rejected for that reason. There's a decent, logic reason for the 30 days, but the explanation is long, complicated, and boring.)

The application for a VR is a lot simplier than a TRV. Other than that, there isn't much difference.

You'll also have the option to "flagpole" at the USA border. You can probably enter the USA, if you want, but you aren't required to get a new passport stamp.

This part is entirely my opinion: I don't think you'll have much trouble with your first extension. Just say you want to visit Canada more. No worries. The second and on, though, I feel will have an increasing risk to get flagged and you'll be contacted to explain what you're doing in Canada for so long. Of course, this all depends on the IO who opens your file. Some are more lax than others. Some are very observant and question everything. Just like all people, they are all different and go about processing a visa in their own way.

You can also look at IEC, if you qualify. It will allow you to stay in Canada (technically as a worker, but there is no law saying you must get a job - although you could try working to earn PR through CEC or PNP.)

http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/experience_canada_experience/index.aspx?lang=eng

 

[dannyontheroad]

Thank you very much, amikety, for all your valuable answers and helpful advices.

I am evaluating all possible alternatives to find the one (or ones) which suits better my situation.

Actually my case is full of details. I don't know if the best way to understand which are my best bets is asking single focused questions within the right forum sections and then take stock of all myself (which is what I'm doing), or put all in one big post and wait for someone to give me the right advices.

Anyways, you helped me a lot so, still, many thanks, really!