Need opinions on visa matter

[Edd]

Good afternoon, I would like to ask about what could be the best option to proceed with the next issue:

I met a girl from Montreal one and half year ago, we have fallen for each other which is a logical thing after spending so much time in contact (it's a daily talk thing), of course we are now tied by emotional matters. To make it more clear, I am a Mexican citizen living and residing legally in Hungary (EU/Schengen territory, Hungary is ruled by Roman law principles just as Quebec) and I am about to receive my permanent residency after 5 years. Nath has the intention to move to France since it has been her dream but we have come to the conclusion that it would take her a good while before she can come, so I have decided that I could be going to Canada. It would be as a start with a visitor visa but she would like me to stay with her (the thing is that I personally never had the interest or need to consider Canada for living, since Europe is what I have aimed for), I would not mind at all spending some time with her there. I am currently self employed and I do not manage bank accounts, I do not possess any properties nor anything like that, as for Nath she is also self employed by the time being (She was a parole officer for the Correctional Service of Canada) and we have discussed the need of getting an invitation letter to support further the application process when the time comes, since she wants me to stay longer with her would it be possible to request an extension of time after my arrival? (she suggested the possibility of getting married but personally I do find marriage a big "repellent" and she does too). By personal experience in Europe (Hungary), I was allowed with no problem whatsoever to extend my stay here and got a 1 year visa which I did revalidate when it became necessary, is there any resemblence in the provincial immigration law processes in Quebec? (as I have mentioned before I am aware that Quebec has a different law than the rest of Canada). When I say I would like to start with a visitors visa is, because I have to be sure that the relationship would work between us, otherwise all my typing and intentions would be a waste of bytes on the net and secondly if I do happen to stay with her as she wants then I need to be prepared to do everything I have at my disposal to secure my stay. Personally I do not have the time to argue/quarrel with the CIC/CBSA in case they do not happen to "like" me, I am not interested whatsoever in having benefits in Canada, my reason for goign there is strictly related to Nath and since I am used to be an independent person I will not take any kind of job there since I can support myself. Can sombody please be so kind in pointing out what are the best options or paths that can be taken?, my interest goes to Quebec and not the other provinces. If I go there I do have to point out that I have 2 cats (maybe irrelevant for some of you) and I do intend to take them with me since I do consider them as priority and their wellbeing is a "must" for me.

Best Regards Ed.

 

[scylla]

The visitor visa process is the same for Quebec as for the rest of Canada. You can find out how to apply here:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

To be approved, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay for your visit to Canada, have ties to your home country and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term. In short, demonstrate that you are a genuine tourist. You prove this by showing ties such as property, assets, employment, etc.

You should never argue with border officials. At the same time, the onus is on you to prove you are a genuine tourist and border officials do have the right to refuse you entry even if you have a valid visa. Bringing your cats with you could raise red flags when you enter Canada and cause problems. Tourists do not typically bring their pets and officials may have concerns you have plans to stay long term. However if you won't go without them, then you will have to give it a try and hope for the best.

FYI - in the future it would be good not to write your question as one extremely long paragraph. It was extremely difficult to read. I have to admit that I only skimmed it (because it was difficult to read) - and may not have answered all of your questions.

 

[Edd]

Hello Scylla and thank you for your answer.

The visitor visa process is the same for Quebec as for the rest of Canada
Not really, the link you kindly gave me only says "I could be eligible" but it redirects me to the page of Provincial Immigration Authorities of Quebec, which shows that the province does have a different immigration policy.

To be approved, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to pay for your visit to Canada, have ties to your home country and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term. In short, demonstrate that you are a genuine tourist. You prove this by showing ties such as property, assets, employment, etc.

Well I pay the plane ticket and have some cash with myself at arrival, plus as I said before, an invitation letter will be added to support. I as for "ties" it's quite unclear still, since I do have a residency in Europe and can travel to my home country anytime if i wish to do so, as for properties and assets I have none. Employment is another different story, that would not be difficult for me to provide proofs, however I get paid in a prepaid debit card, I do not use banks at all.

You should never argue with border officials
Not planning to, the reason of my comment on this is because I do not need to hear or deal with the narrow mind and incompetence of border officials (very well known) even if I have the ability to prove myself and fullfill the requirements.

Tourists do not typically bring their pets and officials may have concerns you have plans to stay long term. However if you won't go without them, then you will have to give it a try and hope for the best.
From personal experience by working in the airline industry the latter is contrary, there is a visible amount of tourism moving with their pets, however I do take seriously your comment since Canada is another different country and rules.

If a visitor visa would not be the best option, then is there any other Visa applications that could fit my interest?
Thanks.
Ed.

 

[scylla]

Try this link for applying for a tourist visa (hopefully that will make things more clear since it sounds like you wandered to a different page). Since you hold a Mexican passport, you'll need to apply for this visa in advance of your travel to Canada.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-how.asp

Spend some time in the visitors section of this forum reading through old threads. This will give you an idea of what information you need to provide to make a strong application and reasons for refusal.

Other temporary visa options:

- study permit: you first need to be accepted by a school in Canada and it's too late for the January start of classes, so earliest this would be doable is May 2014, you would also have to pay foreign student fees which are quite high

- work permit: you first need to find an employer in Canada who is willing to offer you a job and also go through the Labour Market Opinion process (prove the job was advertised and no Canadians could be found for the role)