Getting Passport Stamped for visiting extension

[The Ichi]

Hello,

I'm an American engaged to a Canadian, my question is after we get married I hope to stay
in Canada during my PR process. If I wanted to extend my visa (since I can stay for up to 6 months),
do I have to get my passport stamped when I come so I have something to send in for extension. So I guess
they usually DON'T stamp my passport. But if I ask for it to be stamped won't they ask why?
What if I say I'm just visiting, this won't work eh? What if someone visits and stays later and never gets a stamp? perhaps leave and return
though with the same issue?

And also does all border security have the same passport info. Like airport, bus and train?
Is one better than the other if I'm visiting frequently?

thank you

[fallenstar831]

Don't worry about the stamp so much... Border control has your enter and entrance dates and times.  If you really want a stamp so you have proof - just ask - they have them.

Here is information about extending your stay ->  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp

[michaelab]

Hi Fallenstar831 and everyone,


I see what you are saying about the POE people have our data on what date/time we enter the country but my question is that don't we have to provide a proof of entry when we apply for an extention?  Even online as well right?  How can we do that if there is no stamp on it?  For me asking for the stamp is out of question since its pretty much screaming that I am going to extend in the future.  I hope what you are saying is do-able but I am not too sure.  Do you have a reference to your answer? Sorry to be difficult..the poster asked the same question as I had.

Thanks!!

[fallenstar831]

To be honest, it doesn't scream that at all, tell them you are planning to stay a few months and would like proof of entry. This is not a bad thing, they prefer you be honest.  The US is Visa exempt that is why you typically do not get a stamp.

Canadian immigration is not out to get you.  They just want to make sure you go about your stay honestly, and legally.

Maybe someone else has references... I read up on the website and there is nothing that says you can't ask for a visa stamp.

[climb101]

My wife is US citizen, and she's been staying here while in process. We have applied in US.

The border crossing has been no problems, except for some questions at times. Just be honest, friendly, and carry any documentation if you are in process.

They need to satisfy that you are intending on leaving after 6 months. If you are in country and close to 6 months, I would cross back to US, and then enter back in.

[iarblue]

   If you didnt get a stamp be honest and put the date you crossed when you apply for the extension.

[michaelab]

   If you didnt get a stamp be honest and put the date you crossed when you apply for the extension.

I am wondering if they ask to provide the proof the entry when I try to extend my visit.  That's my main reason I ask if I should get a visitor record.  I am sure if they search my passport info they can track my entry on their datebase but I am not too sure so.  What do you guys think?

[iarblue]

   Did they take your passport at the booth if so then yes they scanned it you need to give the address you came in as they know when it was

[michaelab]

   Did they take your passport at the booth if so then yes they scanned it you need to give the address you came in as they know when it was

Thats why I was wondering if I should get a visitor record for 6 months..well, if I tell them my intent to visit for that long they will send me to secondary anyway..   So if some people tell IO that they intent to visit for 3-4wks but they end up visiting for 6 months  and wish to extend they can do that right?  Or do we have to have a visitor record to extend?? Sorry for asking so many questions as you can tell I am confused.

For those who extended what did you have to provide with your application for extention?  Thanks!!!

[iarblue]

   Nope just go to the booth tell them you are coming to visit your spouse be very honest with them tell them you have applied for the PR proces bring all your paperwork with you but they will already know,as soon as they scan the passport they know.So be totally honest and let them know you are aware of the law that at the end of your visit you will either need to extend or leave.They like it when you show you know how it works.
   Then they may stamp our passport at the booth or send you inside it really depends on how big the line up is so if you can the best time to enter canada is the early hours of the morning.And if they say why did you come in at this time tell them you thought it would be less busy.
   But it seems if you show them you are aware of the visit laws,they really like it and you most of the time roll right through.And you will get a stamp if not ask him if he could for proof of your entrance date.

[fallenstar831]

They scan everyones passport now.  Just as an FYI... so they know even if you don't have a stamp.   

[BeShoo]

You could always send receipts or something that show you were in one country or the other on certain dates. Gas purchases are one good thing for that. I assume you're probably not walking to Canada.