Question regarding my girlfriend's options

[JoeITA]

Hello All,

I just have a question regarding my girlfriend. Any help would be appreciated.

I'm a Canadian citizen currently residing in Italy. I plan to return to Canada sometime within the next couple of months. My girlfriend is Lithuanian. She's 23 and currently staying with her parents in Lithuania until I finish some business in Italy. She's currently unemployed, and has little money in the bank. She is a university graduate, and speaks fluent English and French though. We were living in Italy the past four months. I'm just wondering what are the options for her to come to Canada

I know of two options:

Since she is Lithuanian, she has the 'ability' to travel 3 months in Canada without a visa. Does everyone get let in though? At customs what would she need to show in order for her to be let in? Bank Statement, Return Ticket, Country Ties(owner of property\family..etc)

The other option is this


The International Experience Canada for Citizens of Lithuania(sorry I guess I can't post links). That is for a 1 year visa that entitles her to work and live. She will need 2500 in her bank account and maybe a return ticket, and to prove that she has Lithuanian medical insurance and that it covers expenses abroad. Anyone know how long it takes for the application, and could she even do it while she is in Canada for her first 'visa free' three months?

I'm also asking how my situation effects her. I'm Canadian, have money to support her. Like if we were just to show up in Toronto with her not having a visa for the three month stay, could I just say I'm supporting her or would customs want her to be independent(bank account, return ticket, where she is staying) I was looking at cohabitation, but we haven't been together for over a year. We only lived here in Italy for fourth months, and I was the only one registered here.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[canadianwoman]

Usually people allowed visa-free entry to Canada are let in. It is very rare to hear of someone refused entry. It is possible though, so she should prepare proof her stay will be temporary: a return ticket, money, proof of any ties to Lithuania. If you state she will be staying with you, that's OK.

I would go with the 1-year visa. It would allow the two of you to live together (if that's what you want), and at the end of it you could apply common-law. If you are planning to support her anyway, you could help her with the initial expenses - the bank account and the health insurance.

 

[cantor2537]

The onus is on her to prove that she will return to her home country after the three months. Entering Canada is a privilege, not a right if you're not Canadian.

She can be sent home if she shows up with you and the officer is not convinced that she won't stay longer than three months. This happens more frequently than you think. I know of even many Americans, including my wife, who had at one point or another had tough goes with the border agent.

The easiest option would be to probably apply to and get in to an educational institute and to come here on a study visa.