Hi all
I am South African and met my Canadian partner online when I was living in South Africa. Shortly thereafter I moved (back) to the UK (I have indefinite right to remain) and we continued a long distance relationship with him visiting me in South Africa and the UK and I visited him in Canada - during 2010 as follows: 2 weeks in May; 2 weeks in July and 5 weeks in September/October. We spent 4 weeks in December in Cape Town and in May 2011 I quit my job in the UK and moved to Canada to live with him.
Every 6 months I would apply to CIC for an extension and this was granted. At one stage I was required by CIC to undergo a medical examination which I did and subsequently, my extension to remain was once again granted. During November 2012 I had to return to Cape Town and upon my re-entry to Canada in December, CIC questioned me about my stay and about our intentions. They referred to letters my partner had written to support my extension applications wherein he mentioned our intention to marry. CIC were very understanding and granted me leave to enter the country from December 2012 and remain until June 2013 even though my visitors visa expired in May 2013.
However in May I to return to South Africa for a family emergency and once I was ready to return to Canada, I applied for a visa through the High Commission. My application was denied. The reasons given were that they were not satisfied I would leave the country when I should.
To me this doesn't make sense especially in light of our long history with CIC. My partner consulted an immigration specialist in Canada who said there was nothing we could do other than get married. Although we are planning to be married, we do not wish to rush this because of the visa.
During my 2year stay in Canada, I did not violate any of the visa rules by working; I volunteered at several large and well-known organisations and made this known to CIC as well when making application for my extensions to remain.
Can anyone shed any light on this decision or offer any suggestions as to what to do - if anything?
I am South African and met my Canadian partner online when I was living in South Africa. Shortly thereafter I moved (back) to the UK (I have indefinite right to remain) and we continued a long distance relationship with him visiting me in South Africa and the UK and I visited him in Canada - during 2010 as follows: 2 weeks in May; 2 weeks in July and 5 weeks in September/October. We spent 4 weeks in December in Cape Town and in May 2011 I quit my job in the UK and moved to Canada to live with him.
Every 6 months I would apply to CIC for an extension and this was granted. At one stage I was required by CIC to undergo a medical examination which I did and subsequently, my extension to remain was once again granted. During November 2012 I had to return to Cape Town and upon my re-entry to Canada in December, CIC questioned me about my stay and about our intentions. They referred to letters my partner had written to support my extension applications wherein he mentioned our intention to marry. CIC were very understanding and granted me leave to enter the country from December 2012 and remain until June 2013 even though my visitors visa expired in May 2013.
However in May I to return to South Africa for a family emergency and once I was ready to return to Canada, I applied for a visa through the High Commission. My application was denied. The reasons given were that they were not satisfied I would leave the country when I should.
To me this doesn't make sense especially in light of our long history with CIC. My partner consulted an immigration specialist in Canada who said there was nothing we could do other than get married. Although we are planning to be married, we do not wish to rush this because of the visa.
During my 2year stay in Canada, I did not violate any of the visa rules by working; I volunteered at several large and well-known organisations and made this known to CIC as well when making application for my extensions to remain.
Can anyone shed any light on this decision or offer any suggestions as to what to do - if anything?
