Living in Canada without a visa

[Lunakai]

My boyfriend lives in the US, and wishes to live with me in Canada. Is it possible for him to move to canada (bring his dog, some furniture,etc) and live with me for a year without having a visa? I would be fully supporting him, and he won't be studying or working at all while here. After a year, I plan to sponsor him as a common law spouse. Would this work?

 

[Rob_TO]

No, he can only "visit' you in Canada. When crossing the border he should only have minimal luggage with him that is reflective of someone visiting, not living. Showing up at the border with a truck full of furniture will give cause for CBSA to deny him entry to Canada. But the dog should be ok, just make sure he has all his vaccination info.

As a visitor he will most likely get a 6-month visitor status at the border, but can apply to renew it before it expires.

 

[Lunakai]

Thank you for this information. Since he would be considered as 'just visiting' would this put the plan of sponsoring at risk? Would we still be considered a common law couple if he was 'visiting' for a year?

 

[Rob_TO]

Thank you for this information. Since he would be considered as 'just visiting' would this put the plan of sponsoring at risk? Would we still be considered a common law couple if he was 'visiting' for a year?

It will be fine. The whole visiting/moving/living thing, is only important when actually crossing the border with CBSA. Once he's in Canada, you are then effectively "living" together as qualifying for common-law status. Make sure to start gathering proofs from the first day you move in together (like shared lease, joint credit card, bank account, mail to same address, etc). This will be important to include with your eventual PR application.