Can volunteering extend your visa?

[maryrossi]

My husband and I are US citizens, retired. We would like to volunteer with an NGO and spend more than 6 months in Canada if possible. We do not qualify for citizenship due to somewhat limited finances (but of course aren't looking for financial assistance while there) - can we stay over the 6 months if we volunteer? Or is there another way? Thank you!

 

[canuck78]

No. Volunteering is usually considered working and you would need a work permit.

 

[canuck78]

Is there a reason you want to stay in Canada. If staying with family you can apply to extend your visa. No guarantees you will be allowed. You will have to show you can support yourselves while in Canada.

 

[scylla]

My husband and I are US citizens, retired. We would like to volunteer with an NGO and spend more than 6 months in Canada if possible. We do not qualify for citizenship due to somewhat limited finances (but of course aren't looking for financial assistance while there) - can we stay over the 6 months if we volunteer? Or is there another way? Thank you!

To move to Canada you would need to obtain permanent residency first. There is no direct path to citizenship.

Finances aren't your only limitation for obtaining permanent residency. It's also your ages and the fact you are retired. Canada has no retiree immigration class. Immigration programs are aimed a young skilled workers.

As others have said, volunteering will not allow you to extend your stays and you must be careful where/how you volunteer when here as visitors so that this isn't interpreted as working with out authorization. Many NGO jobs are paid, so you want to make sure you're not volunteering in a position that would typically be paid.

To ensure you have no issues visiting Canada, you want to be limiting yourself to a six month visit in each one year period and ensure you're spending more time outside than inside Canada in any 12 month period.