Visiting Canada for 6 Months

[JamesHeady1992]

Hello ive recently come back from canada for which i stayed for 3 weeks with my girlfriend and her parents. we decided later this year i should come up and stay for around 6 months as a visitor with her and her family to see how we handle each other for longer periods of time.

now First and foremost i do plan on buying a round trip ticket ahead of time with the return trip refundable in case im approved to stay longer. 2nd. i also plan to look into a job while working there through sponsor ship if thats possible while im on a visitor visa. Since im from the us last time i didnt need a visa.

i wanna give a little more insight i only took $400 USD to Canada for 3 weeks, and there was no issue.

so i have a few questions.

1. will i need a visitor visa now due to the length ill be staying?
2. how much money do i need to bring to canada based on the length ill be staying? keep in mind i will be staying with her and her family rent free.

I appreciate anyones help.

 

[Wonderland_1010]

Hello ive recently come back from canada for which i stayed for 3 weeks with my girlfriend and her parents. we decided later this year i should come up and stay for around 6 months as a visitor with her and her family to see how we handle each other for longer periods of time.

now First and foremost i do plan on buying a round trip ticket ahead of time with the return trip refundable in case im approved to stay longer. 2nd. i also plan to look into a job while working there through sponsor ship if thats possible while im on a visitor visa. Since im from the us last time i didnt need a visa.

i wanna give a little more insight i only took $400 USD to Canada for 3 weeks, and there was no issue.

so i have a few questions.

1. will i need a visitor visa now due to the length ill be staying?
2. how much money do i need to bring to canada based on the length ill be staying? keep in mind i will be staying with her and her family rent free.

I appreciate anyones help.

1. Yes you will still need a valid visitor visa to enter Canada. There is no say if you are able to stay for 6 months. Your length of stay is determined by CBSA at the airport.

2. You must show $1000/week for financial regardless whether your girlfriend is paying for everything. CBSA could ask you how much are you carrying for how long you will be staying. If you don't show that much, they will limit your stay.

 

[Buletruck]

will i need a visitor visa now due to the length ill be staying?

What passport do you hold (I'm assuming US)? If that's the case, you won't need a visa. The amount of time you can stay is determined by CBSA on entry, but the default is generally 6 months (If you stay longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for an extension about a month prior to the 6 month date).

You can look for work while you are in Canada, but you won't be able to do any work without a work permit. You would also need to find an employer willing to go through the LIMA process (unless you are an American and your work qualifies as NAFTA exempt). As far as money, you will need to be able to convince CBSA you have sufficient fund to support yourself during your stay. Keep in mind that despite having your accommodations covered, your GF parents aren't legally obliged to provide that, so there may be questions about what you would do if that falls through.

 

[JamesHeady1992]

What passport do you hold (I'm assuming US)? If that's the case, you won't need a visa. The amount of time you can stay is determined by CBSA on entry, but the default is generally 6 months (If you stay longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for an extension about a month prior to the 6 month date).

You can look for work while you are in Canada, but you won't be able to do any work without a work permit. You would also need to find an employer willing to go through the LIMA process (unless you are an American and your work qualifies as NAFTA exempt). As far as money, you will need to be able to convince CBSA you have sufficient fund to support yourself during your stay. Keep in mind that despite having your accommodations covered, your GF parents aren't legally obliged to provide that, so there may be questions about what you would do if that falls through.

i do have a us passport. i plan to stay 6 months. and i may potentially have a job opportunity waiting for me when i go up there i have to wait till april to find out.

 

[devilsofnj]

i do have a us passport. i plan to stay 6 months. and i may potentially have a job opportunity waiting for me when i go up there i have to wait till april to find out.

I cannot imagine that you won't need to inform CBSA about any employment in Canada upon arriving at the border.

 

[Buletruck]

i may potentially

Potentially! If asked, he could tell them he is going to an interview.
Nothing illegal about looking for work or attending interviews. If he gets a job offer, it will need to be either NAFTA exempt or the employer would need to go through a LIMA and then he would need a work permit.