Extending visitor status - online or re-enter Canada?

[Franzi]

Hello everybody,

I am in Canada as a visitor right now, and I am wondering if I should submit an online application to extend my status or if it might be easier (or more difficult?) to leave Canada and hopefully get a new visitor record when re-entering.

Some more information: I came to Canada in April 2011 on a working holiday visa which expired in April 2012. I changed my status to visitor before it expired and I was given a visitor record until Oct. 3, 2012. I submitted an application for Permanent Residency in May 2012 and just last week we finally got sponsorship approval and our file was sent off for further processing (we are applying outland). I am a German citizen and I am married to a Canadian citizen.

I read that I should apply for an extension 30 days before my current status expires, so I would need to do that soon, but I also saw that the current processing time for visitor visa is 54 days which would leave me with implied status for quite some time.

We don't live far from the US-border, so could we just go to the States for a day and when we come back, ask for a new visitor record? I'm really not sure which way would be better and easier, so maybe someone can help me with that question. I'm also afraid that they would not let me re-enter Canada or give me like a week to pack my stuff and leave. I do know and understand that getting a visitor visa/record is a previlege, not a right, so I know there's always a possibility to get denied!

Another thing, I know that I would have to indicate that I would leave the country if the application for the extension gets denied, but given the fact that I'm living here now and don't have an intent to leave (and have the PR application is process), I don't know how to do that..

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Franzi

 

[lepatissier07]

Hi Franzi,

gruess Dich.

Try to get all the necessary documents and do "flagpoling" at the nearest border, no need to leave Canadia for a whole day, except you wish to do so of course. possibly not at your last day when your visa expires, just in case, do it a week before. at the border you should get your visa straight away, at least is worth a try!

i got my work permit extended that way, (15-20min) instead of waiting 3-4 months of office work. amazing discovery. loool

man liest sich, auch private message.

lepatissier07

 

[Franzi]

Does anyone else have any experience with this, especially re-entering Canada to extend a visitor visa/record?

We wouldn't mind spending a day in the States, no no need for "flagpoling".

 

[couteausnob]

I would simply do the online application to extend your status. Your reason for the extension would obviously be to visit while your PR application is being processed. Just be sure to include proof of your application and also proof of your financial support while in Canada. For example, if you're staying with a spouse who supports you, include a letter to that effect, and bank statements/pay stubs/letter of employment demonstrating the spouse's ability to cover your costs.

This was how I extended my visitor status earlier this summer, and at least for me, it was much less hassle than going through the border and dealing with a BO who may or may not be having a good day. I was even given significantly more time than I asked for. The only stories I've heard here from people whose extensions were denied were those who did not include all the necessary forms and documentation. As long as you include everything and have a valid reason for staying (even if it's outland, a PR app is considered a valid reason), it appears to be a relatively painless process.

 

[Franzi]

This was how I extended my visitor status earlier this summer, and at least for me, it was much less hassle than going through the border and dealing with a BO who may or may not be having a good day.

Thank you very much for your reply! This (see quote) is exactly my fear, so to calm my nerves I guess it's better to do it online.

When I changed my status back in April, I asked for 1 year because that's how long I thought the application process might take, but they gave me 6 months which was still good. I hope they will give me another 6 months and that everything will be done by then.

Did you explain that or how you would return to your home country if the application gets denied or after it expires? Is that necessary?

 

[couteausnob]

Did you explain that or how you would return to your home country if the application gets denied or after it expires? Is that necessary?

I didn't mention anything about returning to my home country, but I'm American, so I don't know if the fact that I could simply drive across the border had any bearing on whether or not they felt that info was necessary. It wasn't specifically asked on the application form, so I didn't go out of my way to talk about it. I focused more on the financial aspect, demonstrating that the funds are there to stay or go.

 

[rachiy]

I also recommend applying online - or by mail. I personally see long processing times for this type of application a good thing, as if it takes a month or so to process then that is a month or so "free" and there is no risk you being denied re-entry. They may of course deny you an extension, but as long as you support your application with documentation then that is a very very slim chance.

 

[montrealsnow]

Thank you very much for your reply! This (see quote) is exactly my fear, so to calm my nerves I guess it's better to do it online.

When I changed my status back in April, I asked for 1 year because that's how long I thought the application process might take, but they gave me 6 months which was still good. I hope they will give me another 6 months and that everything will be done by then.

Somewhat OT: how can you tell for how long you can stay? When I re-entered as a visitor after my work permit had expired, the officer didn't say anything about how long I could stay and I only have a "V" stamp in my passport, no date.

 

[OhCanadiana]

Somewhat OT: how can you tell for how long you can stay? When I re-entered as a visitor after my work permit had expired, the officer didn't say anything about how long I could stay and I only have a "V" stamp in my passport, no date.

If they don't write a date and you didn't get another document (like a visitor record), you usually have the full 6-month validity of stay.

 

[Creampop]

Franzi,
I too would just file for an extension online or by mail, it will cost atleast 75 bucks for the "day" trip to the US and you may not get back in then you will be stuck in the US... CBSA knows how long you been here and when you changed your status, if you leave Canada and try to re-enter they may just conclude you won't leave and red-flag you and that will make it much harder to get back in PR application in process or not, they don't care until you have the visa in your hand. you now have the sponsorship approval letter you can include a copy of that with the extension application. Have your spouse send a letter stating she is willing to support you for the duration of your visit as you wish not to be separated during your PR process ask for another year with the sponsorship approval letter theres a good chance you will get it.
As long as your application is received 30 days before your status expires you will have implied status which is better then no status until you receive a decision.

Another thing, I know that I would have to indicate that I would leave the country if the application for the extension gets denied, but given the fact that I'm living here now and don't have an intent to leave (and have the PR application is process), I don't know how to do that..

and just for the record, you are NOT living here you are visiting. when you switched your status over you agreed to leave when your visit was over, being straight forward and trying from inside would be best. you do not want to end up deported PR app in process or not once deported you won't get back in till the ban is up... the only right you have are the rights of a visitor...

 

[Franzi]

Thank you all for your replies, I will apply for an extension this week and hopefully I can stay here until my application is fully processed and approved!

Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

 

[lepatissier07]

Viel Glueck!

 

[tamarindball]

When you say a PR application to be attached to your application for extending your stay, which of t he applications are you referring to as I know there are several for the applicant? Or is it ok to attach a copy of the receipt of PR fees paid?