Question for POE immigration Officer

[fahadniazi]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been in USA since August 2006. I came here on F1. Currently I am on H-1B Visa and my passport is still valid for more than a year.

I have received Multiple Entry Visitor Visa for Canada from Canadian Embasy in detroit and the expiry date on the visa is November 15th, 2009. I am going to Canada on November 10th to attend my H-1B Visa interview at American Embassy in Montreal on November 12. Usually it takes 3-5 days to get Passport back from the US embassy in Canada. 15th is on Sunday- the expiry date mentioned on Canadian Visa. Also it is possible that US Embassy in Montreal can take more than 3 months to stamp my H-1B visa.

My understanding is that even if the visa granted from Detroit is for 2 months duration, Immigration officer can grant me entry for up to 6 months upon my arrival at port of entry before the expiry date on my canadian visitor Visa. I have the following questions;

1- Do I have to apply for extention before going to Canada?
2- I want to book the tickets. Will there be any problem if I book my return ticket for November 17th as my visa expiry date is November 15.
3- Is there any other step to take before going to Canada?

I asked this query from Canadian Embassy, Detroit and they directed me to Border services and then border services directed me to go to immigration services and still I am unable to get any responce. Please advise..

Sincerely,

Fahad

[PMM]

Hi

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been in USA since August 2006. I came here on F1. Currently I am on H-1B Visa and my passport is still valid for more than a year.

I have received Multiple Entry Visitor Visa for Canada from Canadian Embasy in detroit and the expiry date on the visa is November 15th, 2009. I am going to Canada on November 10th to attend my H-1B Visa interview at American Embassy in Montreal on November 12. Usually it takes 3-5 days to get Passport back from the US embassy in Canada. 15th is on Sunday- the expiry date mentioned on Canadian Visa. Also it is possible that US Embassy in Montreal can take more than 3 months to stamp my H-1B visa.

My understanding is that even if the visa granted from Detroit is for 2 months duration, Immigration officer can grant me entry for up to 6 months upon my arrival at port of entry before the expiry date on my canadian visitor Visa. I have the following questions;

1- Do I have to apply for extention before going to Canada?
2- I want to book the tickets. Will there be any problem if I book my return ticket for November 17th as my visa expiry date is November 15.
3- Is there any other step to take before going to Canada?

I asked this query from Canadian Embassy, Detroit and they directed me to Border services and then border services directed me to go to immigration services and still I am unable to get any responce. Please advise..

Sincerely,

Fahad

Read the TRV it is valid for entry up the 15th of November, meaning you have to enter Canada before that date.  So you don't require an extension as long as you enter before the 15th.

PMM

[fahadniazi]

Dear PMM,
Thanks a lot for the prompt response and it was a big relief.
Thanks and regards,
Fahad