On UK IEC working holiday visa, want to stay in Canada as visitor for 2 weeks

[ailsa]

Hi! I'm a British citizen on a IEC working holiday visa.

I want to stay in Canada for two weeks beyond expiry of my visa, not to work, but as a visitor. UK citizens don't need a visa to visit Canada as a visitor -- so do I need to do anything to stay in the country beyond my working visa's expiry, or can I just stay for a couple of weeks beyond it without needing to notify anyone? Thanks!

 

[Bs65]

Hi! I'm a British citizen on a IEC working holiday visa.

I want to stay in Canada for two weeks beyond expiry of my visa, not to work, but as a visitor. UK citizens don't need a visa to visit Canada as a visitor -- so do I need to do anything to stay in the country beyond my working visa's expiry, or can I just stay for a couple of weeks beyond it without needing to notify anyone? Thanks!

if you stay beyond your IEC expiry you would be out of status and in the country illegally even if the chances of being discovered are remote, still illegal.

A quick google search would have directed you here http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp .

You need to apply 30 days before your IEC expires to extend legally however if you decide not to apply and pay the fee is your choice/ risk that does not come back on you later if you apply for PR at some future date.

 

[ailsa]

Thanks Bs65 -- I went on that page, thank you.

I'm still unsure whether this applies to British citizens, however, because we don't need any visa to visit Canada (just an eTA, which I have).

"That's why I'm unsure whether this section:

Getting a visitor visa from within Canada
If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada with a valid status (i.e. study or work permit), you can apply for a new visitor visa to return to Canada before you leave."

Would apply to me, as I wouldn't need a visitor visa if I was visiting Canada.

 

[lukeaidan97]

Definitely get a visitor visa. IEC Work Permits cannot be extended. You will have to apply to change your status as a visitor in Canada or you can leave Canada and try re-enter as a tourist/visitor British Citizens can stay in Canada for a duration of 6 months only and must provide proof of funds and health insurance.

 

[spousalsponsee]

Thanks Bs65 -- I went on that page, thank you.

I'm still unsure whether this applies to British citizens, however, because we don't need any visa to visit Canada (just an eTA, which I have).

"That's why I'm unsure whether this section:

Getting a visitor visa from within Canada
If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada with a valid status (i.e. study or work permit), you can apply for a new visitor visa to return to Canada before you leave."

Would apply to me, as I wouldn't need a visitor visa if I was visiting Canada.

British citizens - like everyone - require valid status in Canada. At the moment, you are a temporary resident with a work permit. You can adjust to visitor status online, or you can flagpole at the border with the USA. Either way, you must do something, or else you will be out of status in Canada, and potentially subject to an exclusion order, banning you from Canada for a period of time.

 

[lukeaidan97]

You will need to apply to change your status in Canada before your current IEC work permit expires. If you fail to do this you will be out of status in Canada, another option would be to leave and then return to Canada as like you said you will get 6 months and you will have to show proof of medical insurance and proof of funds for the entire stay as well as a flight ticket home or sufficient funds to purchase a flight back to England.