Expiring Visitor's Record!!

[blueangel371115]

My visitor's record expires on May 21 but I start work in the US on May 12. Should I renew it? I'd hate to 'lose' my UCI if I don't. I am visa exempt so I'm not sure what to do exactly. On my days off, I'll be visiting Canada, then when I finish in August I'll be staying with my fiance through the wedding except a couple days here and there. What happens if I don't extend it?

 

[PMM]

Hi

quote author=blueangel371115 link=topic=140643.msg2183909#msg2183909 date=1365009052]
My visitor's record expires on May 21 but I start work in the US on May 12. Should I renew it? I'd hate to 'lose' my UCI if I don't. I am visa exempt so I'm not sure what to do exactly. On my days off, I'll be visiting Canada, then when I finish in August I'll be staying with my fiance through the wedding except a couple days here and there. What happens if I don't extend it?
[/quote]

As you are not in Canada, you can't extend it.

 

[blueangel371115]

Hi

quote author=blueangel371115 link=topic=140643.msg2183909#msg2183909 date=1365009052]
My visitor's record expires on May 21 but I start work in the US on May 12. Should I renew it? I'd hate to 'lose' my UCI if I don't. I am visa exempt so I'm not sure what to do exactly. On my days off, I'll be visiting Canada, then when I finish in August I'll be staying with my fiance through the wedding except a couple days here and there. What happens if I don't extend it?


As you are not in Canada, you can't extend it.

Fair enough. When I file my paperwork, can I use the UCI given on my vr paper or do I need a different one. I will be staying after november first

 

[muffy1]

You can definitely extend it and I would certainly do so, especially if you plan on visiting again. You can easily do this if you visit Canada before the expiry date, they prefer at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current visitor's record. If they extend it, you'll receive a new one on the spot. Hope that helps!

 

[parker24]

You can definitely extend it and I would certainly do so, especially if you plan on visiting again. You can easily do this if you visit Canada before the expiry date, they prefer at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current visitor's record. If they extend it, you'll receive a new one on the spot. Hope that helps!

But she's not in Canada. At all. Her visitor's record has ended so there is no possible way to extend it. Please read the post carefully.

 

[parker24]

Fair enough. When I file my paperwork, can I use the UCI given on my vr paper or do I need a different one. I will be staying after november first

Yes. It will be the same.

 

[muffy1]

Unless I'm missing something.....I read that the record expires on May 21st? Even if it expires, upon her next trip back up to Canada (assuming she is driving) she can request for a new VR at the POE. I'm responding from what has been my experience being a US Citizen and in similar situation. I've never had a problem getting a VR extended, etc. Maybe I've been lucky?

 

[blueangel371115]

Unless I'm missing something.....I read that the record expires on May 21st? Even if it expires, upon her next trip back up to Canada (assuming she is driving) she can request for a new VR at the POE. I'm responding from what has been my experience being a US Citizen and in similar situation. I've never had a problem getting a VR extended, etc. Maybe I've been lucky?

Yes, it does, May 21, 2013. No, I won't be driving ( my husband will, he's my sponsor). I was hoping I could do the same thing as I did to get my VR issued in the first place. Ask for it. One time when we ( my fiance and I) entered Canada after a visit with my American grandmother, they pulled up my passport number and he asked me if I was planning on immigrating and I said yes. He sent me in to talk to an IO and I was issued a VR.

 

[muffy1]

Ok, I thought that's what I read. Perhaps someone else should read it a bit more clearly I can't appreciate it when other's state "there's no possible way" etc.

I replied to you because of my own personal experience and have been in your situation twice under different circumstances and have never had a problem getting a VR or having it extended. So, to say it's not possible is just incorrect.

If/when you cross the border by vehicle back into Canada simply let them know that you'd like to stop in to the Immigration Office there. If, at this time, your VR has expired- simply explain the situation to them. You've been visiting with Fiance, you had a VR that has expired since you went back to US last and you have been working in US. Once they see that they have issued a VR to you once, I am hopeful that they will issue a 2nd one to you, as well. (This happened to me and it seemed like a rather simple process). If I were you, I'd print off or bring along either some forms or pictures, things that you would need to have prepared in order to file the papers. They might ask to see some proof of movement or intentions but, if my situation is any example, they might just issue a 2nd VR without needing all of that. Even if you plan on staying in the US, working, etc, and will be visiting every other weekend just as an example.

However, if you find yourself at a Border crossing prior to expiration of your VR, I don't see any reason why they would not just extend it. (This, too, has happened to me).

Let me know if you have any other questions since I'm a US Citizen. If I'm able to help, I will

All the best.

 

[parker24]

Ok, I thought that's what I read. Perhaps someone else should read it a bit more clearly I can't appreciate it when other's state "there's no possible way" etc.

I replied to you because of my own personal experience and have been in your situation twice under different circumstances and have never had a problem getting a VR or having it extended. So, to say it's not possible is just incorrect.

If/when you cross the border by vehicle back into Canada simply let them know that you'd like to stop in to the Immigration Office there. If, at this time, your VR has expired- simply explain the situation to them. You've been visiting with Fiance, you had a VR that has expired since you went back to US last and you have been working in US. Once they see that they have issued a VR to you once, I am hopeful that they will issue a 2nd one to you, as well. (This happened to me and it seemed like a rather simple process). If I were you, I'd print off or bring along either some forms or pictures, things that you would need to have prepared in order to file the papers. They might ask to see some proof of movement or intentions but, if my situation is any example, they might just issue a 2nd VR without needing all of that. Even if you plan on staying in the US, working, etc, and will be visiting every other weekend just as an example.

However, if you find yourself at a Border crossing prior to expiration of your VR, I don't see any reason why they would not just extend it. (This, too, has happened to me).

Let me know if you have any other questions since I'm a US Citizen. If I'm able to help, I will

All the best.

How does that work at all? When you leave Canada, your visitor's record is done. It ends. Then when you go BACK to Canada, a new one starts up automatically... That's why I said you cannot extend it, because when you leave, that record is moot. You would need a brand new one. Usually US citizens automatically get 6 months, and waved through. Why you needed a visitor's record I have no idea.

 

[muffy1]

I get what you're saying Parker and what you said makes sense to me.

Initially when I first started coming to Canada, we were engaged. I didn't know I needed a VR but I was told that due to the frequency of visits or if I planned to stay longer than a week at a time I would need one. The first VR was not requested by me; rather, upon one of my crossings I was directed inside and just issued one. At that time, I came for shorter visits, as I was still working in the US. So, back and forth I went. That one expired and after that expiration I planned on visiting for the remainder of the "immigration process" (we were married) and I applied for a new one after expiration, which was granted. I've never had any problems since. I am glad I got one; however, because from what I've been told and what I have read, upon approval of permanent residency, any days spent in Canada while on a VR counts as days towards the residency requirement and will certainly help to obtain my citizenship faster!

Hope this helps.

 

[amikety]

How does that work at all? When you leave Canada, your visitor's record is done. It ends. Then when you go BACK to Canada, a new one starts up automatically... That's why I said you cannot extend it, because when you leave, that record is moot. You would need a brand new one. Usually US citizens automatically get 6 months, and waved through. Why you needed a visitor's record I have no idea.

Most Visitor's Record say "Not valid for re-entry" on them (all of mine do). There's two ways to intrepret that:

1) It's a single entry document and once you leave Canada, it's invalid
2) Possessing the document doesn't guarantee you re-entry into Canada, but the VR is still valid. Sort of like a multiple entry visa.

I think #1 is the technically correct way to use the VR, but other Americans have reported being allowed to leave and re-enter Canada many times on the same VR. I don't know if the IO reads it as #2 or s/he is lazy..... If the person was just going to get another VR, I don't see much harm in #2 either.

When you extend the VR, at least by mail, they give you a new VR that overrides (cancels) the old one. I'm not sure if it's different when crossing the border.

Just get a new VR at the port of entry if need be. Since you're outside Canada, your status can't technically expire. You already exited

I also needed the VR to open my bank account (sole) and apply for healthcare. Other than that, it's been a useless shiny piece of paper.

 

[amikety]

I get what you're saying Parker and what you said makes sense to me.

Initially when I first started coming to Canada, we were engaged. I didn't know I needed a VR but I was told that due to the frequency of visits or if I planned to stay longer than a week at a time I would need one. The first VR was not requested by me; rather, upon one of my crossings I was directed inside and just issued one. At that time, I came for shorter visits, as I was still working in the US. So, back and forth I went. That one expired and after that expiration I planned on visiting for the remainder of the "immigration process" (we were married) and I applied for a new one after expiration, which was granted. I've never had any problems since. I am glad I got one; however, because from what I've been told and what I have read, upon approval of permanent residency, any days spent in Canada while on a VR counts as days towards the residency requirement and will certainly help to obtain my citizenship faster!

Hope this helps.

You don't need the VR for your residency. CBSA keeps a record of all crossing and can print you up a report for proof.

The IO who told you need a VR for more than 1 week stay... had an interesting opinion on the matter. You only truly need a VR if you're staying longer than 6 months or have a need to present your proof of status to a company or government agency. Not to say getting one is a bad idea. I encourage everyone to have one because it's official paperwork.

 

[muffy1]

amikety, what you say makes sense! I can tell you, this is only my experience, I was allowed to leave and re-enter Canada numerous times on the same VR; atleast two weekends every month for majority of the first 6 months. But it does state, does not guarantee reentry which would make sense and I definitely understood that.

 

[margobear96]

Most Visitor's Record say "Not valid for re-entry" on them (all of mine do). There's two ways to intrepret that:

1) It's a single entry document and once you leave Canada, it's invalid
2) Possessing the document doesn't guarantee you re-entry into Canada, but the VR is still valid. Sort of like a multiple entry visa.

I think #1 is the technically correct way to use the VR, but other Americans have reported being allowed to leave and re-enter Canada many times on the same VR. I don't know if the IO reads it as #2 or s/he is lazy..... If the person was just going to get another VR, I don't see much harm in #2 either.

The border officers at Peace Arch/Blaine, WA at least seem to interpret as #2. Particularly if there's a lot of time left on the VR -- there was 9 months left on mine the next time I crossed the border. Wouldn't make sense to invalidate it and say I now have 6 months (regular visit time) and would be a time waster to make me go to secondary to get a new VR for 9 to 12 months when (hopefully) I'll get PR before then.