Extension of Visa

[Iamrobot85]

Hello,
I got through the border (score!) but I will probably have to get an extension on my visa because I told the people at the border that I was planning on leaving after New Years so they give me a visitor's record saying I have to leave by the 3rd of January. I didn't think this would be a huge deal because I had planned on just extending my visa after a while. The guy at the border told me if called the number on the back of the visitor's record I could get an extension if my plans change.

Well, I told my immigration consultant that I was planning on doing this and he seemed sure that, because I am applying outland (submitting the application in a few days) that they would most likely deny my request for a visa extension. Is that right? I was to understand that visa extensions were pretty easy to get, especially if you submitted an application for permanent resident status.

Also, the guy at the border said something about a year visa, I THINK he said (though I may have misunderstood) that if if I come down to the border and cross out and back in after I submit my application for PRS, that I would most likely get stamped with a year visa. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Thanks so much!

 

[Pharoh]

Hey Iamrobot85,

Congrats on getting across! I get nervous just thinking about it. I figure if I choose to wait it out with my spouse, I'll time it so that when I cross the border, I'll have already given my notice (for work), but would still be within the two week period (of a 2 week notice), thus be able to truthfully say that I'm still working, and that showing a recent pay stub, and all the immigration documents, they won't find it odd that I'm coming up for a "visit" for a week. When allowed through the border, I'd then cancel my flight or reschedule it for say... five months later?

It could backfire, though. If I give my notice, and get denied entry to Canada, or if they give me something like you have, and I can't renew it, I'm unemployed, and unable to enter Canada. That's a bad place to be in.

I have no idea what to do. The safe route would be to wait it out, probably, but as everyone here is well aware, that definitely sucks.

 

[kelKel]

Your consultant is dead wrong. You'll have no problem extending your visitor status assuming you send it in 30 days before your record expires (as recommended but not 100% necessary) and you have applied for your Permanent Residence. So you say you'll be sending out your application soon. So at the beginning of Dec send out your extension application. Give the reson you would like to stay with spouse while application is processing and finalized.

-Include copy of payment receipt for permanent residence app.
-Sponsors financial, bank statements, letter from employer, letter of support.
-Your back records showing means of support of yourself.
-Copy of wedding certificate

You should be fine!

 

[BeShoo]

There's no guarantee, but you'll probably get an extension with an external application in the works. I wouldn't cross to the U.S. and back. You might get an extension that way, but you might also be denied entry to Canada, and then what?

You should be able to get either 6 months or a year's extension.

 

[adetia9]

My first extension I requested 8 months so that my extension would match my daughter's student visa. My second one however, has gotten extremely delayed, so not sure whats up with that -- I sent it in back in the first week of August.

 

[Baloo]

My first extension I requested 8 months so that my extension would match my daughter's student visa. My second one however, has gotten extremely delayed, so not sure whats up with that -- I sent it in back in the first week of August.

Extension processing is about 90+ days at present, so as you are at around 100+ days, i would not call it "extremely delayed".
I assume you got proof of delivery, from your courier?

 

[Iamrobot85]

Thanks guys, this is extremely helpful.

But, are you able to legally stay in Canada while your request is processing? Because if it takes 90 days to process that is well after my current visa runs out.

 

[Baloo]

Thanks guys, this is extremely helpful.

But, are you able to legally stay in Canada while your request is processing? Because if it takes 90 days to process that is well after my current visa runs out.

Don't worry, from the time you apply - until they give you an answer (yes or no) you are allowed to stay in Canada with "implied status".

It does not mean you can leave and return, because when you leave the extension is void.

Be happy, this is one rare instance that the system works in your favour.


Make sure you get a signature for the application being delivered, you need the proof that it arrived.

 

[Iamrobot85]

So it doesn't matter that I applied outland?

 

[Baloo]

No issue.

 

[BeShoo]

So it doesn't matter that I applied outland?

For inland applications, officers are advised to always give extensions (providing there isn't crime or something). For outland appllications, it's not so mandatory, but they always seem to give them anyway.