changing status? visitor visa or record? confused!

[Gary_87]

hey guys! I know this has probably been answered a million times before but for some reason I can't get my head around it so any help would be great.

I am a brit and will be sending my pr application off in the next couple of weeks hopefully! it is outland to london.

I am currently on an IEC working holiday visa that will expire on march 14th. I would preferably like to stay here during the process as I want to remain with my fiance.

I have read about changing the status of my visa places but I'm getting confused about it. some people are saying that because I'm from a visa exempt country I don't have to and others are saying I am. I'm also reading that I don't need a visitor visa but a visitor record?

can anyone help point me in the right direction? I have until feb 14th to figure this out I know hut I'm trying to understand it in advance!

also do I have to leave the country to do this? I just want to stay after my iec as a visitor until my pr gets approved.

thanks guys! can't wait for all this to be over!

 

[AnaMaria]

Visa is something you need to enter a country. That does not prove your status in the country. Permit or record is your proof in the country. Most cases the permit is a stamp on your passport when you enter. Many cases we use visa interchangeably to show the status.

Since you are from visa-exempt country, you do not need a visa to enter Canada. That's why you are told that you do not need a visitor visa.

After March 14, you will have no status to remain in Canada once your IEC is expired. In order for you to stay, you will need a new status as a visitor to legally remain in Canada. That is the document you need to apply and that is referred to as visitor record. You do not need to leave the country. You can apply online.

 

[Gary_87]

thankyou. that actually really clears things up. so I just need to apply online to change my status from worker to visitor? is this he thing that costs $75 and takes about 80 days?

will it require me to leave the country to get it or does it automatically attach itself to my passport electronically when approved?

 

[AnaMaria]

They will send mail to you. If your application is approved, the paper, probably similar to IEC permit?, will be enclosed. You do not need to leave the country.

 

[Sweden]

thankyou. that actually really clears things up. so I just need to apply online to change my status from worker to visitor? is this he thing that costs $75 and takes about 80 days?

will it require me to leave the country to get it or does it automatically attach itself to my passport electronically when approved?

You can apply online and the amount of time it takes depends on a few factors (which type of visa you were on before etc). You don't need to leave the country - it will be sent to you in the post as far as I'm aware.
Also - as soon as you have applied for the extension ( or in your case the change of visa type), you are under "implied status". What it means: if you apply on the 14th of Feb as you're supposed to do it 30 days before the actual end of your visa, then even if you don't have an answer on the 14th of march ( and most likely you won't), then you still legally present in Canada as you are waiting to hear back from CIC. I wouldn't advise to try and leave the country at that point as it might be a little more complicated to explain at the border, but as long as you stay in Canada you're OK.

IF for any reason you don't get around to extending your visa etc, you can leave Canada a few days before your visa expires in March, and go back in - and when coming into Canada, explain that you're renewing your status and you have applied for PR etc, and ask for a 6 months at the border. It's always up to the border officer but there are no reasons why you would be denied (provided you say the right things etc... and there is always a percentage of luck, that's why most people prefer to do the online extension which is very rarely denied).

Good luck!
Sweden

 

[Gary_87]

thankyou both!

do I basically apply, show proof of my application and show proof of funds (either my own or my partners income) to show I won't work and apply?

which webpage do I go to? and which links do I follow? I've been getting too tied up with work and visa stuff to even begin thinking about this so thanks for any help!!