American Citizen staying in Canada past 6 Months, how to?

[ZR333]

Hi,

So this is my situation. My girlfriend lives in Montreal Canada. I want to go live with her as an American Citizen. I may or may not want to share an apartment with someone else at first. If I did want to share an apartment with someone else, is it legal to do this and have my name an an american on that lease with only a passport? I know I have only 6 Months, but how can I have more time for example as much time as I want. I know I have to have some kind of extended stay but I am not clear regarding my specific situation.

I will be self employed via the Internet where my money comes from outside Canada but I plan on paying taxes within Canada if this is the requirement as I am sure it is. If I decide to take work in the Canada then can I take a job and then afterwards apply for a work visa or do I need a work visa first before taking any job within the Country?

Do I need permanent residence and will it be sufficient to have a leased share of an apartment as my permanent residence or do I need to share rent with my girlfriend who is a Citizen?

What do I need to do so that I can remain there? I am confused about how to begin this process? I find there is no one to speak to on the phone about this so this forum and others are my only hope.

Thanks,

Zach

 

[scylla]

As thing stand now, you can't "live" with your girlfriend in Canada. All you are allowed to do at this time is visit. As an American, you will likely be granted a six month visit by default at the border. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension once the six moths is coming to a close. Whether that extension is approved will be up to Canadian immigration.

If you want to be able to stay longer and be authorized to "live" in Canada - then there is really two ways you can go. You can obtain a work permit (you'll need to find an employer in Canada first). You could also obtain permanent residency (PR). Obtaining PR takes time and likely the easiest way for you to do this would be through being sponsor by your girlfriend. In order to sponsor you, you must either be married or common law (have lived together for a minimum of one full year).

Hope this helps.