Visitor Record time frame....

[Wells Dad]

Hi all..

So , we would like to know from the group......those of you that have received a Visitor Record into Canada, what is the shortest time frame anyone has received?

We've read that the officer is supposed to consider the length of time for the pending PR......but also that they may decide to shorten it since she's had an exclusion order in the past.

So we're trying to get an idea just how short they might go.......what has everyone's experience been, who's had one?

Thanks!

 

[Patricksgirls]

My visitor record was issued for only two weeks, I asked to stay a month and got two weeks so who knows

 

[Wells Dad]

Wow, that is short......hopefully we don't end up with that one....

Also, does anyone know , with the "standard" 6-month visit, if that's 6 months every calendar year and then you have to wait another 6, or can you leave and come right back......

 

[RobsLuv]

The bottom line is that it really doesn't matter how long a VR is issued for . . . the important thing is that, with one, you're able to apply to extend, by mail from within Canada, the status given on entry. The "standard" six months' visit is usually not documented - especially if the FN is from the United States - meaning there is no passport stamp or other record of entry that can be used to prove when the FN entered Canada . . . and you have to have that to be able to apply from within Canada to extend.

So, even if it is only two weeks - just turn around and submit an application to extend so that it's received by the Case Processing Centre in Vegreville BEFORE the VR expiration date. Track the mailing and get delivery confirmation as that is your proof of "implied status" to remain in Canada under the terms of the original VR until a decision is made on the extension. If there is a qualifying relationship, and a pending PR application, send proof of that with the extension ap and you can expect them to issue another VR for at least 6 months and, more likely, for a year so that PR can be accomplished within the time frame provided.

That said, they normally only issue VRs for periods of less than six months when they are intentionally limiting a stay. Sometimes this is because of a previous overstay - sometimes it's because they're just not willing to believe that the person is actually qualified to apply for PR, or they have no proof of a sponsor's intention to actually file an application.

 

[MandiF]

I received my first VR coming through immigration in January after coming and going both with and without my husband and telling the truth about who I was going to see and what I was going to do, even with spending 3 months over the summer in Canada last year.

I was given 6 months VR and the immigration officer just said it should give me enough time to get my PR application finalised, as I had already received my PPR and had brought my letter with me as evidence.