Pros and cons of applying at the border or paper/online for a student permit

[bearlythere]

I am a US citizen recently accepted to a PhD program in British Columbia and I need to apply for a study permit. I am also looking to bring my girlfriend of 4 years with me who can apply for an open work permit with my study permit? I had a few questions regarding applying at the canadian border vs through paper/online.

- Is applying at the border inherently risky?
- How long in advance to my actual start date can I apply at the border?
- Can we apply for common law at the border?
- Can my girlfriend apply for her open work permit at the border?
- Is it harder to get visas at the border?

Any info would be sooo appreciated, Thanks!

 

[scylla]

You don't apply for common law status. You are either meet the common law requirements or you don't. To meet the common law requirements you must have lived together continuously for at least one full year and be able to prove it. Assuming you meet the one year continuous cohabitation requirement, you will need to provide proof to obtain the OWP (e.g. join leases or property ownership documents, joint utility bills, etc.).

 

[bearlythere]

Thank you for your reply, yes I can provide proof of cohabitation, mail with both of our names, a joint lease agreement in addition to affidavits from friends and family, photos, call records, chat records, joint banking accounts etc.
My central question is whether it is a risky move to apply at the border and if I can apply in advance?
thanks!