Received TRP (imm 1442) upon entry, but only for 3 months?

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Hello,

My friend and I are both American.  We entered Canada two nights ago with our passports, but no other visas or anything.  We are both online poker players (Canada does not consider this to be a form of working).  Our intentions were to stay in Canada for 5 months and then leave, which we explained to the border personnel.  They questioned us for a while and eventually issued us both Temporary Resident Permits (form IMM 1442) but with the condition that we must leave the country before March 31st, or in other words in a little under 3 months.

It was our understanding that as long as we are visiting and not working, American citizens are generally permitted to stay for 6 months out of the year.  The border personnel's explanation was:

1) We had not been to Canada before (besides a couple short vacations), and thus have not built up a history with them.
2) While we both have family ties to America, because we don't own property or are married, that our ties were weak.

On to my question.  Is there a way we can extend or appeal the date for our Temporary Resident Permits?  Basically we want to stay until May 31st instead of March 31st.  If so, how would we go about this process?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Paul

[Leon]

It is always up to the immigration officer if they allow you entry at all or for how long.  If they think you are planning on working illegally or might overstay, they can turn you back.

However, you also have the option of applying to extend your visit visa, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp