mellybelly said:
Hi i'm wondering if i can "visit" Ontario while applying for sponsorship from my future husband. As in visit for 6 month type of visit. I know i won't be able to bring all my stuff until i get pr.
I'm an american going to give up my job & life here in the states to be with the one i love. It's been a long distance thing for a ling time! Another year or so & i'd like to get the ball rolling.
Should we get married first? Or should i go there first? I need a timeline. Yikes!!!
yes, you can certainly VISIT your boyfriend while your application is in process. an application can only be sent if you are married or can prove you are in a commonlaw relationship. Since it sounds like you have plans to be married, you can't submit the application until you receive your marriage certificate after your ceremony. If you are getting married soon, you can certainly start all the legwork to get your application ready so it can be sent as soon as you receive the certificate.
As for staying for 6 months, this is possible. Remember the length of your visit is at the discretion of the border agent that allows you in. so if that agent feels you will over stay or work while there, they will not let you in for 6 mo. they may let you in for a shorter visit, or deny you entry all together. Remember to always use the term VISITING. you are never moving or living there. Even when you have an application for PR in process. We can't move or live there until we are given the proper authority by immigration. It is ALWAYS visiting!
In my opinion, giving up your entire life before visiting is a red flag at the border. You certainly do not want them to know you are doing that. They want to know you have somewhere to go back to at the end of your visit. Visitors can not work while in canada, and that is one of the major concerns for border agents when allowing visitors in. It's typically recommended to carry proof of ties to the US in case they ask. The best ties are paystubs/work contract or lease/mortgage/deed. Also, a return ticket if flying is important to have. Family and belongings are NOT considered strong ties.
In my experience, they are a lot friendlier to married couples who are working on or have sent in a PR application. In my exprience, they are a lot more skeptical of couples just dating. Obviously it's your choice as to when to get married. Just know they are more likely to deny entry when a person with no job and no proof of residence in the US is going up to canada to visit a boyfriend.
Once you are in, you can apply for an extension of your visit on the CIC website. There are people who have received year long extensions so they can stay there for the duration of the applicaiton process. During this time you will not be able to work or study a program that is more than 6 mo. long. The fee for this is $100 and it's recommended to apply at least 30 days prior to your visit ending.
