Extended US Visit

[Lyrinna 0]

Hello,

I have been directed here from the Loving From a Distance forums. I am currently a Canadian citizen and am currently in a long distance relationship with a US citizen. We have decided that we are wanting to have a visit that is longer than just a week or two. Our rationale behind this is to make sure that we can live with each other, and hopefully see our relationship strengthen and grow. Because he is in the US military, I would be going to the USA to visit him. I have done some preliminary research but everyone seems to say something different so I am hoping people here would shed some light on this and provide us with some information.

From what I have read, a Canadian citizen can visit the USA for a period of six months without having to apply for a visa. I understand that they can deny me access to the USA if they feel as if I am going there to live. I don't really have any ties to Canada that would convince them that I intend to return, which I do as I want to keep this completely legal to avoid any future issues if/when I apply for a K-1 visa. I am currently in my final semester of college, so I don't have classes to return to. I don't have a job though I do intend to get one prior to visiting him so I have money to support myself while I am down there. But I highly doubt any employer will let me return to my job after only being employed for a few months and then leaving for a few months. I don't own a house, and I have no way to prove that I pay rent. I'm at a loss as to what I am supposed to do for this. We also plan on driving, so I would not have a plane ticket to show a return date.

Assuming I can get over the border, how long would I have to remain in Canada? If everything goes well I would imagine at this point I would be applying for the K-1, which I am told takes about six months.

If anyone has any experience or knowledge they wish to share with me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Hi,

With your lack of ties to Canada, I think you are going to have a hard time crossing the border. That being said, you can still try. Get everything you can think of that proves ties to Canada and I would not seek a long visit to the US this time. You'll have a much better chance going for a week or two.

Good Luck!

[Lyrinna 0]

What all counts as ties to Canada?

[Teddy B 17,252]

What all counts as ties to Canada?

Bank accounts, car payments, apartment lease. Whatever you think shows that you need to go back when your visit is done.

You say you have no proof that you pay rent? Why?

[Lyrinna 0]

I have a bank account, my apartment is month to month but my mother pays the rent, I pay her irregularly whenever I have money. Would student loans count as a tie?

[Teddy B 17,252]

I have a bank account, my apartment is month to month but my mother pays the rent, I pay her irregularly whenever I have money. Would student loans count as a tie?

Seeing you don't have much, anything would help. You should have your Mother write monthly rental receipts and back date them for up to a year if you've been living there that long. My wife did this after she was denied for lack of ties and it was accepted. My wife was divorced and living with her Mother and paying cash for rent. It was actually recommended by the Customs Officer who denied her. Or you could have the landlord write the receipts in your name.

Edited April 11, 2014 by Teddy B

[Lyrinna 0]

I haven't been able to pay her in over a year though, I've been a student and unable to juggle work and school.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Just do what you can and hope for the best. I highly recommend you go for a short trip for your first one.

[canadian_wife 1,831]

Plan for a short trip. Perhaps get a letter from your mother with an expected return date? It will mean little but it is better than nothing.

There isn't really a boyfriend/girlfriend visa that allows you to visit to see if living together will work. We are lucky that Canadians can visit so long without a visa, please do abuse this privilege

good luck

[Lyrinna 0]

Just seems odd that we are allowed to visit visa free for six months, but stand a good chance of being denied entry if we actually want to stay that long.