Hey All,
I used these message boards when I was first trying to figure out my immigration situation so I thought that I would share my success story in hopes that it will guide others through the process.
I am a 23 year old American and my boyfriend is Canadian (from Ottawa). I met him while attending a university in Canada and then we spent two years together via a long distance relationship while I finished my education back in America. After graduating college, in June, I packed my bags and crossed the boarder into Canada. I told the boarder Officer that I would stay in Canada with my boyfriend for the summer months and was granted that.
In August, I applied for an extension on my visit. It cost me about $100. In this application, I included my bank statements, my boyfriend's bank statements, my mom's bank statements, and a letter from my mom stating that she would cover my costs in case of an emergency. I also included a letter explaining mine and my boyfriend's situation and my intent to apply for permanent residency once I have lived with my boyfriend for a year. Although I was overstaying the summer months I told the boarder officer I would stay, it was okay because I had "implied status".
Three months later, I received an email saying that my application was approved!
I am now able to stay in Canada for a year. After the year is up, I will apply for permanent residency through my boyfriend as well as a second extension on my visit so that I can stay until I receive my permanent residency card. My boyfriend and I have been keeping all out our housing documents and utility receipts as proof of our shared residency and lives.
Also, Supposedly, along with my permanent residency application, I can also apply for an open work permit. According to a lawyer friend, the open work permit should be granted to me within four months, though the permanent residency card may take much, much longer.
All in all, it was a stressful and long process but i'm hopeful that the rest of this immigration process will go as smoothly as it has *knock on wood*.
I used these message boards when I was first trying to figure out my immigration situation so I thought that I would share my success story in hopes that it will guide others through the process.
I am a 23 year old American and my boyfriend is Canadian (from Ottawa). I met him while attending a university in Canada and then we spent two years together via a long distance relationship while I finished my education back in America. After graduating college, in June, I packed my bags and crossed the boarder into Canada. I told the boarder Officer that I would stay in Canada with my boyfriend for the summer months and was granted that.
In August, I applied for an extension on my visit. It cost me about $100. In this application, I included my bank statements, my boyfriend's bank statements, my mom's bank statements, and a letter from my mom stating that she would cover my costs in case of an emergency. I also included a letter explaining mine and my boyfriend's situation and my intent to apply for permanent residency once I have lived with my boyfriend for a year. Although I was overstaying the summer months I told the boarder officer I would stay, it was okay because I had "implied status".
Three months later, I received an email saying that my application was approved!
I am now able to stay in Canada for a year. After the year is up, I will apply for permanent residency through my boyfriend as well as a second extension on my visit so that I can stay until I receive my permanent residency card. My boyfriend and I have been keeping all out our housing documents and utility receipts as proof of our shared residency and lives.
Also, Supposedly, along with my permanent residency application, I can also apply for an open work permit. According to a lawyer friend, the open work permit should be granted to me within four months, though the permanent residency card may take much, much longer.
All in all, it was a stressful and long process but i'm hopeful that the rest of this immigration process will go as smoothly as it has *knock on wood*.
