Is it okay to travel to usa by a car just after I get a student visa in Canada?

[Risa]

Hi there
I am going to study in VC, Canada this year.
I've already got my study permit accepted by the government and the only thing left is going to Canada, get student visa in hand.
However there is a problem, my school is supposed to begin in the beginning of Aug but they postponed their starting date in the end of Sep. But I already bought a ticket for Canada in the middle of July before I was sent new LoA (Letter of Acceptance) by them.
So I am thinking that use this ticket, going to Canada in July which is 2.5 months before, get student visa, then visit my bf in Seattle by his car during this gap. I have ESTA.

My questions are:

1. How long before can I enter Canada with student status? Is it okay to go to Canada and get student visa there 2 and half month advance?
2. If I can get visa in Canada, can I visit to USA even before my classes begin with ESTA? I'm planning to be there for 1.5-2 months.

It took me 2 hrs to enter USA to visit him last time, so I want to get student visa first in Canada as good reason even for visiting him during my holidays in Canada, and I do not want to get a risk to be refused by USA if it seems to be difficult.

I understand that the final decision will be made by the immigration officer, but can I get your opinions?
Thank you!

 

[bongoman]

1. Not sure how it works for your country are you sure you are not supposed to get the visa before coming to Canada?
There is nothing preventing you from coming early if your visa and permit is valid but you might be asked additional questions about why you are early and show proof that you will be able to support yourself during this time. Might be easier to change the ticket to go to US first.

Don't know about ESTA but there is nothing preventing you from going to the US on the Canadian side.

 

[Bs65]

1)arriving 2.5 months before your course starts you will likely be asked to show how you can support yourself without working illegally.

Putting aside any plans to travel to the US you need to be convincing you can cover your living costs in Canada for this 2.5 months .It should not be an issue as long as you seem convincing but would not mention on entry to Canada any plan to leave for the US straight away.

2)First an ESTA is used for US visa exempts travelling to the US by plane, crossing a land border you will fill in an I 94 and pay a small fee for the privilege

Having a Canada study permit to show US CBP should they ask will likely help although they might still question purpose of visit and timing of visit plus funding support for a 1.5-2 month US visit when your primary purpose is study in Canada.

Very easy to overthink things but as said if last US visit took 2 hours to clear US CBP depends why, whether you were pulled over for extra checks or simply immigration traffic.

As said very easy to over think things and like xx% of genuine visitors you probably will not have any issues beyond the usual USCBP scrutiny.