Anyone have experience with my dilemma? Please help?

[Gary_87]

Hi guys!

I've been receiving lots of comments about what I should do come the end of my work visa in March but Im still really unclear and could do with some advice or experiences.

Here's the lowdown. I'm on my IEC visa. It expires on March 14th. I will be sending my Commonlaw outland application off in about 1 week. When my visa expires, I want to remain in canada as a visitor. I know I can do this. Im just having trouble figuring out how.

I will be changing my status from IEC worker to a visitor. I am British and will be requesting a visitor record.

All sounds good so far.

I go online, to the site that says extend or change the conditions of your stay. I go online, fill out the questionnaire and it says I am eligible to apply. It then states the following:


It says I need this form:
IMM5708 Application (this form asks about my work history for the last 10 years but doesn't provide enough space. As it is online, how can I add more?)

and to provide these things:

1.Proof of Means of Financial Support
2.Passport or travel document
3.Digital Photo

I can scan in my passport no problem and I can scan copies of my partners T4 and work stubs that show she has been working, is earning and will be supporting me.

However, with the digital photo it says this:

Dimensions:
The final frame size of the photo must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8" x 1 ¾").
The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders.
The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 ¼") and 36 mm (1 7/16").
Digital dimensions are often expressed in pixels or DPI (dots per inch). The physical dimensions in pixels must be at least 420 x 540.

Quality/Resolution:
If an existing photo is being scanned, the minimum resolution must be 600 pixels per inch.

File Format:
The file may be submitted in JPEG or JPEG2000 format.

File Size:
The final size of the image should be ideally 240 kB (kilobytes), but not less than 60 kB.

Colour:
The image must be in color (24 bits per pixel) in sRGB colour space which is the common output for most digital cameras.


How can I do this? It is asking so much. I know Im looking in the right place as it says Visitor record $75. But the process is so confusing. Asking for my work history - fair enough. For the last 10 years? How can I add more if it doesnt allow me? If I upload the pdf online, how can I add more pages?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[Gary_87]

Is this my best option? Or should I do it by paper? Or just flagpole and ask for a visitor record to replace my work visa?

Has anyone had to do this before? Apply online to change from IEC to visitor?

Thankyou!

 

[bonitanita]

Hi there

It says I need this form:
IMM5708 Application (this form asks about my work history for the last 10 years but doesn't provide enough space. As it is online, how can I add more?)

I would simply write the further info on another sheet of paper and write "refer to supporting paper".



1.Proof of Means of Financial Support
2.Passport or travel document
3.Digital Photo

1. Show a bank statement. And, if there is a Canadian who is supporting you financially, ask them to write a letter declaring their income (copy of pay stub) and saying that they're willing to support you while you're here as a visitor.

2. Make sure you send a copy of your landing stamp too. You will be denied if you don't send that. A copy of your passport page with the photo etc and a copy of your landing stamp.

3. Go to Shoppers Drugmart or a place that specialises in passport photos. Give them this info and they will easily provide you with a photo meeting the specs on either disc or print form.

Good luck.

 

[truesmile]

There's a lot of misconception around it . . . BUT if Gary here gets his application in soon enough and subsequent 'sponsorship approval', doesn't "implied status" kick in?

 

[Harju]

Are you applying inland or outland? You should specify to get proper advice.



"...if Gary here gets his application in soon enough and subsequent 'sponsorship approval', doesn't "implied status" kick in..." No, you do not get implied status by filing a PR application. You have to file a change of status re visitor or open work permit etc.

 

[Gary_87]

I am applying outland. I dont get implied status after my IEC expires unless I change the conditions of my stay. I need to apply for a visitors record.

bonitanita - thanks for the reply.

As I will be applying online, how can I upload all the extra information though?

And can London drugs crop the picture to specifics and give me a JPEG of it? This would be more useful I think.

Also, I've been told that if I am applying for a visitor record then i DONT need to do these things. Is this true? Or do I need to do these things online and NOT at the border?

 

[Gary_87]

Also, if I am changing from an IEC to a visitor permit, is this different than simply applying for a VR? Because people are saying I dont need to provide work history or photos, just a copy of my passport, proof of funds and why I want to stay? Is it diffferent if you are on an IEC visa?

Is it better to do this at a port of entry perhaps, such as at an airport or land crossing?

 

[bonitanita]

Are you intending on leaving the country and coming back through a border?

 

[Gary_87]

I am leaving the county on the 3rd and returning in the 10th. ill have 4 days left on my visa. ill be returning through vancouver airport.

 

[Gary_87]

I have 2 options:

1. Go on my vacation to Mexico on the 3rd of March. Return into YVR on the 10th and ask the IO to change my work visa to a Visitors record, by providing proof of having paid for my PR, showing my partner is able to financially support me (she will be with me at the airport) and that I wish to remain as a visitor until my PR is approved.

OR

2. Apply now online. However, this online application seems to be very complicated. Am I looking in the correct place? DO I have to fill out this form? And upload a digital photo? And give my work history? Because at the border I wouldnt have to do this?

Which option is more feasible? And least likely to get denied?

I am applying outland and the fees will be paid by this weekend. I do not have a return flight out of canada. I have NO ties to the UK as I have been living and working in Vancouver for the last 2 years. I do have the means to support myself however and my PR application will be in process during this time.

I understand that doing it online is less risky, but I cant seem to find the correct info!

p.s. also, with the entry stamps, the last entry stamp I have is from when I landed on my second IEC visa. I have been out of the country after this but no stamp. This ok?

 

[Gary_87]

anyone please? I'm getting so stressed!

 

[Gary_87]

anyone had this experience?

 

[Harju]

Why don't you just file a paper application if the online one is stressing you out?

 

[Gary_87]

that is a very good point. I guess its because when I get back from mexico I'd only have 4 days to file it and they say to apply 30 days in advance. I'm considering doing it at a port of entry, such as the airport I return into. avoid the wait times this way.

 

[loobyloo19]

Hi Gary,

I'm in pretty much an identical situation as you. I am also here on the IEC and my permit runs out on the 1st of march. My boyfriend accompanied me and has been living here for the year but not working. Ive been hanging on for the IEC to open for 2013 as im eligible for a second year but as it is still not open I have pretty much run out of time t and now trying to change to visitor to buy some more time. Although late in the day, as a last resort my employer has agreed to file for an LMO for me to stay, were right at the beginning stages of this though and he has to advertise the job for 2 weeks before even sending off the application... Ive written a supporting letter to go with the visa application to explain all this and also that I have no intention of working until its approved.

Filling in the online application has been a bit of a complicated process I am worried about the proof of funds side of things, especially as Ive been supporting both of us this past year and its been manageable but not left us much opportunity to save. Some Family and friends have offered to give (not lend) us money to help out as they know how important staying is, but I'm worried if i show chunks of money recently deposited into my account on my bank statement they will think it suspicious.... also how much is considered a supporting amount for two people? Also as i'm still working now, my final amount I will have will be significantly more than what i can show right now as I am still owed for work I have done and will do up until the end of the month.

I was also wondering like you whether it would be easier to go to the border and process the application there and talk to someone face to face but i'm so worried that they wont let us back in. If that was even the slightest possibility I couldn't risk leaving our cat alone and parentless and all our things abandoned... would they let us at least come and take care of things like that?

Im really interested to know what you did/plan on doing. This whole visa situation has been the most stressful thing Ive done ever. I dont think i remember what its like not to be stressed. I really cant/dont want to go back to the UK.

Good luck with it your end.
Kate