Border crossing question

[jimmyk]

My girlfriend lives in Canada and I'm from the US. I am currently planning on going up there in May and saying I'm visiting my girlfriend for the summer (4 months) and then at the end of the four months applying for an extension. My only ties back home are college and my house which I rent , my lease is up in June so I doubt this will help me. My question is can I do anything to make sure I'm allowed to stay there ? will school be enough of a tie? and how much stuff can I bring with me without looking suspicious?

 

[Raj2014]

My girlfriend lives in Canada and I'm from the US. I am currently planning on going up there in May and saying I'm visiting my girlfriend for the summer (4 months) and then at the end of the four months applying for an extension. My only ties back home are college and my house which I rent , my lease is up in June so I doubt this will help me. My question is can I do anything to make sure I'm allowed to stay there ? will school be enough of a tie? and how much stuff can I bring with me without looking suspicious?

Are you from which nationality ? from one of the visa exempt country ?

 

[jimmyk]

yes, sorry I'm from America

 

[Raj2014]

yes, sorry I'm from America

If you have USA passport and crossing border by land...you should be fine with your american passport.

If you are flying to Canada, you may need ETA to fly to Canada.

 

[Buletruck]

Americans are exempt from requiring an ETA.

The biggest issue you will face is convincing CBSA officers you have the means to support yourself. I wouldn't volunteer you plan an extended stay (US residents frequently cross with no issues), unless asked directly. Don't lie to them. Once in Canada, unless they give you a specific departure date, you can stay 6months. Don't apply for the e tension until the 5th month or it will likely be refused.
Bring your "stuff" can be problematic if CBSA feels you may overstay or plan to live here. If your tuition is paid for next year you should be ok with a reasonable amount of stuff. Be wary of the "how will you support yourself" question.

 

[Jalex23]

Americans are exempt from requiring an ETA.

Only US citizens are exempt. All other americans in the continent need either TRV or ETA.

(America is a very big continent).