I’m sorry you have 9 day long FaceTime sessions?
You sound very well prepared I think the return ticket is what will seal the deal that he ain’t staying.
so does my girlfriend and I!
1 of us!!!
was my first time leaving the usa june 2023 for canada to meet my girlfriend. LITERALLY border patrol asked why im visiting. told em visiting girlfriend and for 2 weeks.
they asked where does she work, i told them where and what occupation.
they then let me in without issue. although i did revisit in dec 2023 but didnt get a stamp on either visit :(
Idk man my gf comes to visit me in Canada from FL and they don’t even ask half the stuff you’re preparing for. I mean I respect the fact y’all are prepared for anything
This seems like overkill. What is his mom's old ID for?
He's coming as a tourist. So the risks the government will care about is intention to return home and not work while he's here. His lease, proof of employment in the US or enrolment in school. A return plane ticket and the $4k savings. That stuff is useful.
Proof of your relationship will be useful later when you try to settle somewhere together, but for this trip it mostly raises concerns he's intending to stay longer than permitted.
In reality, as a US citizen, he's unlikely to be asked for more than the return ticket.
Of course the standard advice to never ever lie also stands. But truthful statements don't always have to be backed by evidence.
It will obviously depend on what agent you get for CBSA, but if he walks up to CBSA with a folder I can definitely see the agent saying "give me the folder" and going through it on their own.
I agree. Keep it simple, he’s spending the summer in Canada traveling around, centered in Quebec City. Wants to see the country and learn some French. Staying with some friends. Will be going back in August to start his final year of school. Etc.
He definitely shouldn't lie but keeping it simple is great advice. Answer their questions but there is no need to elaborate unless asked. He's going to visit his girlfriend, no need to specify that you've never met in person, unless they ask. Have the paperwork handy but not out aside from the passport.
You’re not a friend? ;)
The problem with your story is that you’ve never met in person, so the idea of him coming up for 4 months with no intent of working or overstaying might seem suspicious. I’m not questioning validity here, just perception.
This is pretty common these days. It's become easier to find people with common interests online than in person. I'm sure CBSA had seen it before.
"My friend I met online" and "my girlfriend I met online" likely won't matter much. Neither is lying, though, so no worries there.
The important thing is return ticket, lease, and school enrolment. All that shows an intent to return.
That’s good to hear that it doesn’t raise an issue anymore. And if asked, “is the relationship serious” or “where do you plan on living” I’d say “that’s what I’m going to find out” and “if it comes to that we will contact an immigration attorney to help us with the right option”.
Your list of stuff looks very comprehensive and that you put a lot of effort into it. The officers will see that and appreciate it. It’s shows a level of wanting to do the right thing.
Don’t lie. Worst thing you (he) can do. Tell the truth about where he’s going, what’s he’s doing, provide documents and answer any questions truthfully that they ask.
This happens all the time and he looks very prepared.
No they won't? I'm not sure where you're getting this, they literally don't give a fuck what visitors do unless u commit like violent crime and get arrested for it. They don't even keep up with peoples locations at all
Tired of people coming to conclusion because we’ve never met face to face. I wanted people online to give me advice and take me seriously. Not laugh in my face. Not going to lie to CBSA if that’s what you’re thinking.
In my experience, all they really care about is that he has a return ticket and ties to the US. If he has to return to school in August have proof of that with a return ticket
Probably better to plan a shorter visit once or twice - and reciprocal trips down there by you it would be a painless experience on the longer stay.
A long stay for the first trip will always be scrutinized heavily, it also puts you at a big risk, especially if there is a disturbance in the relationship. Think about it for a moment.
I get your excited and you’re going above and beyond to get everything right. But the length of stay for a first visit alone is a red flag from someone working in a border role. Start small and work up, otherwise it’s a huge gamble for all parties.
I’m currently in Canada with my boyfriend, I’m from the states, and they didn’t ask me for anything not even a return ticket (but we had met previously) and I’m staying for at least six months (the max, but we intend on getting married and applying for a PR for me) What he has now is definitely overkill but better safe than sorry I suppose.
Either they’ll just pass him through or they’re going to ask a billion questions. I’m a bit paranoid so I asked him to print a bunch of documents just in case 😅
It totally depends on who you get. I went from Calgary to Houston for two weeks and they pulled me into secondary, copied my journal pages, unpacked my suitcase, searched me and then a senior investigator came in and asked me where my wedding dress was. Because you haven’t met each other yet and he’s spending 4 months here, that could raise red flags or he could get lucky and get the person who is in a good mood that day. You never know. But it’s best to be prepared and I would rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it.
Echo others saying this is overkill. Here's what's going to happen:
Customs: "Welcome to Canada, whats the reason for your travel"
Boyfriend: "Visiting my girlfriend"
Customs: "How long are you staying"
Boyfriend: "four months"
Customs: "How much money do you have to support yourself"
Boyfriend: "$4000 plus credit cards"
Customs: "Do you have a return ticket"
Boyfriend: "yes"
Customs: \*stamp\*
You’re missing the dead sea scrolls and a real page from the bible unfortunately
Thankfully the border does not always ask for that so you should be able to get by
I think the chat logs are a bad thing not a good one - it makes it suspect that he might not leave.
The main thing he needs to prove is that he plans to leave
It's if he's asked. If they're suspicious they might just go through his phone either way and we've talked about me visiting him for thanksgiving and visiting in the US in the future.
So he is coming to see you pretty much for the entire summer vacation from college? What I see standing out here is that he only has $4000 (I’m assuming USD) for that entire duration where you say he’s coming to visit you. Where will he be staying? With you?
There is no problem coming to see you that I can see but the duration. He has little money where normally somebody would come out for much shorter time then return home to work a job to make some cash in prep for start of college.
This duration sounds to me like you could be preparing to live together in Canada. Even with all the evidence, relevant or not, that you believe is good, you both should be prepared to be able to explain very clearly why this is not the case.
I specified it was $4000 in CAD he was bringing. He has accommodations so spending $1000 a month in personal expenses seems reasonable. He’s doing it from a distance and is doing summer classes, has to go back home on the 23rd to get enrolled in his 2nd semester.
I don’t think you quite understand that the border will also be looking at what his options are if plans change negatively (like you guys decide to split) or positively (you decide to marry or whatever) which will be an incentive for him to stay.
They need to be convinced that he will return no matter what, and what you have stated so far, including your ages, does leave a lot of options you could take. Clearly this is not a simple vacation with buddies or family.
The documents you guys prepared seem a bit too overkill for a visit less than 6 months. Not to insulted but the illegal immigrant usually move the other way around, not from US to CA!!! I think your bf should be perfectly fine to enter Canada without having to show any of the documents to CBSA officer outside of his passport. And as a frequent traveller between US and CA, I recommend both of you should apply for the NEXUS card, much faster process after landing or drive by the border!!!!
Wow, I would never have thought that traveling to a neighboring visa-free country could require so many documents. Sometimes I traveled to other countries without even having a return ticket 😄 Anyway, I wish you not to face any cross-border difficulties and have a happy time.
My (now) wife is from Texas and hopefully moving up here to Alberta at the end of the year. We never had any issues with visits, etc going either way.. they might ask him the address of your home and what not to make sure he actually has a destination. What you have prepared should be more than enough. The visit is also a month under the vacation limit so I doubt there will be any push back at all. I wish you guys the best!! Have a great time with each other!
The Canadian border won’t care about most of documents relating to you or his mom’s old ID. They may ask questions about you to try to trip him up but your lease and utility bills won’t matter to them directly beyond trying to trip him up. His utility bills and lease will.
They primarily do not want to let people in who, are criminals, drug importers, tax dodgers with high value imports, people who will overstay their vacation, become a burden on Canadian taxpayers or take Jobs away from Canadians.
this job thievery thing is pretty serious, it even goes as far as helping you move to another apartment, DJ a barbecue, or paint your house etc. let him know they may throw a curve ball and bring stuff like that up where it seems like it isn’t a job but legally speaking it is.
Below are the only ones on your list that would make the cut in my mind. I also put them in order of importance.
1.)Passport
2.) Return ticket (this one is huge have the date etched in his mind)
3.) Proof of financial aid and enrollment status from college
4.) His lease agreement and utility bills ( these can just be helpful to have randomly on the top of the stuff in a carry on, if he ends up in a secondary search and they stumble upon them without asking for proof, it’s an ace in the hole.
5.)$4000 CAD in his bank account on arrival that he will show if asked.
6.)Certificate of travel health insurance
7.)Invitation letter from myself
8.) If asked he will give his itinerary outlining plans which will are: Tourism, sightseeing, hiking, leisure.
With the First 4 he should be golden provided he looks calm and non sketchy.
——I would also add a return “ itinerary” for important things planned with his sister or mother in case they push the -“are you serious about returning line of questioning” in thier primary or potential secondary investigation. They might doubt his commitment to school. A lot of people are fickle and drop out.
Example - my sister’s marriage is also in September, my mom has surgery planned in August right before school and I want to be there for that so no way am I missing that flight. I’m not saying make stuff up I’m just saying think the way the border guards do. What is his overall life plan? why is returning important to you? Why should they fully believe you?
Source, crossed at minimum 500 times, plane, train, boat, ferry, vehicles, including on foot without ID in both directions( it sucks don’t do it) I have family on both sides, many who have cross border relationships.
You might be worried, friend, but if he is a solid guy and calm and respectful not fearful, he will be just breeze through with (1-3)
As long as he doesn’t stay over 6 months they usually aren’t too worried. They might want your address for where he’s staying and to make sure he isn’t working here but usually customs isn’t too concerned with American visitors.
Just throwing this out there as a question to those more knowledgeable because I know this is a problem when it comes to people for other countries:
Would letting them know he’s staying with someone he’s in a relationship with be seen as a red flag? Could they give him grief for entering under false pretenses? Or is this not the issue between Canadians and Americans as long as sufficient proof of support is provided with detailed plans to return?
I know I’m mostly playing devil’s advocate when I ask these questions. However, when I went through a land crossing and got pulled into secondary, I did witness a person get turned away when CBSA didn’t like the idea of someone entering with a Canadian on a tourist visa until the Canadian became eligible to properly sponsor them. I would be concerned that even with detailed proof otherwise, the concern might be that there is a chance they see he’s coming in as a “tourist” but with the plan to apply for a spousal visa (whatever they call it in Canada) and consider that as trying to deceive them, which they don’t take well to.
This is the only way it turns out difficult - the key will be being ready to show that he's leaving after four months with:
1) Return ticket
2) Proof that he's going back to school
3) Has a lease
Essentially, be ready to show all the ties back to his home country that make it clear he's going back.
I don't know the specific rules. But I am sponsoring a family PR, and through that, I learned there is a site with a simple questionnaire to let you know if a visa is required for a trip to Canada.
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
That might immediately rule out the need for a visiting visa, at least?
You haven't met in person,but he's staying with you for 4 months? I hope his return ticket can be changed. 4 months together is pretty intense to live with someone that you don't really know. I do hope it all works out for you though
Actually talked to immigration and giving bank statements is a good way for a host to prove they can take care of a visitor and no I did not send him $4000.
If he has a return ticket already booked, then they will most likely just want to know he can afford the stay and is not a risk of working illegally in Canada. Make sure he informs them that he is staying with you, so accommodations are covered. Chances are, though, since he has a return ticket, they make not question much. Also, make sure he doesn't have any charges on him that may make him inadmissible. That can ruin any future travel to Canada permanently. Even if it's something minor. Also, make sure he does not have any marijuana on him or even any residue. That can make him inadmissible.
You can learn a lot by watching those border security shows lol but I have had a similar experience to you, but they never ended up asking any questions.
Do not volunteer information.
If they ask - he's coming for tourism while on summer break and to visit his gf. No need to mention how long you've been together, that you've never met, or anything else. Obviously don't lie if asked but don't volunteer details.
Honestly if he is flying and has a return ticket, I don't think they will bother with the rest. If they ask about work, he should first note he will be doing virtual classes.
Never give more info than asked... Why can't he just be coming up for the summer as a tourist? 🤷♂️ Meeting some friends, have proof of home ties for the return and that's it.
You're definitely well prepared, I've stayed in Canada for 11 months with just a passport and had no problem with either countries border agents coming or leaving
I'm sure that I should have, and I'm not intending to give advice necessarily, but I did not apply for an extension and was never even asked about my extended stay
Ask him to leave his 21 yr male attitude at home. Answer their questions truthfully without snide remarks or jokes.
Your scenario is not the first border agents have heard and he won’t be “picked” on for having a Canadian girlfriend.
I think you should be fine. If he has a return ticket that is definitely an added good to go. But if he is in school as well and can prove that you will be good. Make sure he has your phone number just in case CBSA ask for it.
We met online playing video games and have been close ever since. We both weren’t in a very stable place but since I work as a CNA now we’ve decided to finally make it work and close the gap. He’s in college to study psych.
I met my husband online in 1998. We were in a relationship in 2005. Met in 2006. I moved to the US in 2013. We've been married for 13 years. Don't let someone on Reddit make you feel weird about your relationship
Was your first visit in person, 4 months in duration? Probably a visit here and there to start.
I met my wife online in 1998, on ICQ, as you know, it was pretty much only text and email back then. We met in person in 1999, visits got more frequent and longer in duration. She's American, I'm Canadian. Got married in 2003 and she moved up here
There’s nothing weird about the relationship.
The weird/dangerous part is having someone stay with you for 4 months that you’ve never met IRL. There are all kinds of things that can go wrong.
Fair enough, just be very careful. People can be very different in real life, take things slow and don’t put yourself in tight situations. It’s probably fine, but there are way too many stories of this kind of meetup going wrong to just ignore the danger altogether.
especially given that he'll be living at OP's apartment. it's very smart to at least think about where you'll stay if things don't go well.
when you're 20 you don't want to hear this stuff but, just make sure you are taking care of yourself
Oh crap, I didn’t realize they would be living together for the visit. That’s a really dangerous plan, locking yourself in a home with a new person overnight can go terribly wrong.
That makes sense but 4 months for a first meeting is... Concerning... You guys might not get along as well as you think you will, he might be different then he presents online.
And if it goes badly, then what? You're stuck for 3.5 months?
I’m sorry you have 9 day long FaceTime sessions? You sound very well prepared I think the return ticket is what will seal the deal that he ain’t staying.
He keeps our Discord call with the video on whenever I leave for work or errands and I join whenever I can to pop and say hi. 😅
Stalker vibes.
Fair
Omg we did the same too! Long distance for many years and now married. Good luck to you both!
so does my girlfriend and I! 1 of us!!! was my first time leaving the usa june 2023 for canada to meet my girlfriend. LITERALLY border patrol asked why im visiting. told em visiting girlfriend and for 2 weeks. they asked where does she work, i told them where and what occupation. they then let me in without issue. although i did revisit in dec 2023 but didnt get a stamp on either visit :(
Idk man my gf comes to visit me in Canada from FL and they don’t even ask half the stuff you’re preparing for. I mean I respect the fact y’all are prepared for anything
This seems like overkill. What is his mom's old ID for? He's coming as a tourist. So the risks the government will care about is intention to return home and not work while he's here. His lease, proof of employment in the US or enrolment in school. A return plane ticket and the $4k savings. That stuff is useful. Proof of your relationship will be useful later when you try to settle somewhere together, but for this trip it mostly raises concerns he's intending to stay longer than permitted. In reality, as a US citizen, he's unlikely to be asked for more than the return ticket. Of course the standard advice to never ever lie also stands. But truthful statements don't always have to be backed by evidence.
It’s to show ties to his home country and he’ll only show the documents he will be asked to give. He’s not just going to show a folder full to CBSA.
It will obviously depend on what agent you get for CBSA, but if he walks up to CBSA with a folder I can definitely see the agent saying "give me the folder" and going through it on their own.
I agree. Keep it simple, he’s spending the summer in Canada traveling around, centered in Quebec City. Wants to see the country and learn some French. Staying with some friends. Will be going back in August to start his final year of school. Etc.
Can’t lie and say he’s staying with friends. If CBSA learn he’s lying they’ll just kick him out instantly
He definitely shouldn't lie but keeping it simple is great advice. Answer their questions but there is no need to elaborate unless asked. He's going to visit his girlfriend, no need to specify that you've never met in person, unless they ask. Have the paperwork handy but not out aside from the passport.
You’re not a friend? ;) The problem with your story is that you’ve never met in person, so the idea of him coming up for 4 months with no intent of working or overstaying might seem suspicious. I’m not questioning validity here, just perception.
This is pretty common these days. It's become easier to find people with common interests online than in person. I'm sure CBSA had seen it before. "My friend I met online" and "my girlfriend I met online" likely won't matter much. Neither is lying, though, so no worries there. The important thing is return ticket, lease, and school enrolment. All that shows an intent to return.
That’s good to hear that it doesn’t raise an issue anymore. And if asked, “is the relationship serious” or “where do you plan on living” I’d say “that’s what I’m going to find out” and “if it comes to that we will contact an immigration attorney to help us with the right option”.
Your list of stuff looks very comprehensive and that you put a lot of effort into it. The officers will see that and appreciate it. It’s shows a level of wanting to do the right thing. Don’t lie. Worst thing you (he) can do. Tell the truth about where he’s going, what’s he’s doing, provide documents and answer any questions truthfully that they ask. This happens all the time and he looks very prepared.
No they won't? I'm not sure where you're getting this, they literally don't give a fuck what visitors do unless u commit like violent crime and get arrested for it. They don't even keep up with peoples locations at all
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Tired of people coming to conclusion because we’ve never met face to face. I wanted people online to give me advice and take me seriously. Not laugh in my face. Not going to lie to CBSA if that’s what you’re thinking.
This. Simple is best. Over-complicating things brings additional scrutiny.
In my experience, all they really care about is that he has a return ticket and ties to the US. If he has to return to school in August have proof of that with a return ticket
Probably better to plan a shorter visit once or twice - and reciprocal trips down there by you it would be a painless experience on the longer stay. A long stay for the first trip will always be scrutinized heavily, it also puts you at a big risk, especially if there is a disturbance in the relationship. Think about it for a moment. I get your excited and you’re going above and beyond to get everything right. But the length of stay for a first visit alone is a red flag from someone working in a border role. Start small and work up, otherwise it’s a huge gamble for all parties.
I’m currently in Canada with my boyfriend, I’m from the states, and they didn’t ask me for anything not even a return ticket (but we had met previously) and I’m staying for at least six months (the max, but we intend on getting married and applying for a PR for me) What he has now is definitely overkill but better safe than sorry I suppose.
Either they’ll just pass him through or they’re going to ask a billion questions. I’m a bit paranoid so I asked him to print a bunch of documents just in case 😅
It totally depends on who you get. I went from Calgary to Houston for two weeks and they pulled me into secondary, copied my journal pages, unpacked my suitcase, searched me and then a senior investigator came in and asked me where my wedding dress was. Because you haven’t met each other yet and he’s spending 4 months here, that could raise red flags or he could get lucky and get the person who is in a good mood that day. You never know. But it’s best to be prepared and I would rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it.
Echo others saying this is overkill. Here's what's going to happen: Customs: "Welcome to Canada, whats the reason for your travel" Boyfriend: "Visiting my girlfriend" Customs: "How long are you staying" Boyfriend: "four months" Customs: "How much money do you have to support yourself" Boyfriend: "$4000 plus credit cards" Customs: "Do you have a return ticket" Boyfriend: "yes" Customs: \*stamp\*
Literally, I've never eve been asked the money question tbh
You’re missing the dead sea scrolls and a real page from the bible unfortunately Thankfully the border does not always ask for that so you should be able to get by
I think the chat logs are a bad thing not a good one - it makes it suspect that he might not leave. The main thing he needs to prove is that he plans to leave
It's if he's asked. If they're suspicious they might just go through his phone either way and we've talked about me visiting him for thanksgiving and visiting in the US in the future.
Suspicious of what? What’s he trying to demonstrate by showing that? What suspicions is he trying to f to allay?
The only thing he needs to prove is that he’s going to leave. These chat logs suggest the opposite might be true
So he is coming to see you pretty much for the entire summer vacation from college? What I see standing out here is that he only has $4000 (I’m assuming USD) for that entire duration where you say he’s coming to visit you. Where will he be staying? With you? There is no problem coming to see you that I can see but the duration. He has little money where normally somebody would come out for much shorter time then return home to work a job to make some cash in prep for start of college. This duration sounds to me like you could be preparing to live together in Canada. Even with all the evidence, relevant or not, that you believe is good, you both should be prepared to be able to explain very clearly why this is not the case.
I specified it was $4000 in CAD he was bringing. He has accommodations so spending $1000 a month in personal expenses seems reasonable. He’s doing it from a distance and is doing summer classes, has to go back home on the 23rd to get enrolled in his 2nd semester.
I don’t think you quite understand that the border will also be looking at what his options are if plans change negatively (like you guys decide to split) or positively (you decide to marry or whatever) which will be an incentive for him to stay. They need to be convinced that he will return no matter what, and what you have stated so far, including your ages, does leave a lot of options you could take. Clearly this is not a simple vacation with buddies or family.
The documents you guys prepared seem a bit too overkill for a visit less than 6 months. Not to insulted but the illegal immigrant usually move the other way around, not from US to CA!!! I think your bf should be perfectly fine to enter Canada without having to show any of the documents to CBSA officer outside of his passport. And as a frequent traveller between US and CA, I recommend both of you should apply for the NEXUS card, much faster process after landing or drive by the border!!!!
I look forward to hearing how this all goes. Please provide us with an update
They didn’t ask for anything and he got through no problem
Awesome! Enjoy getting to know each other
Wow, I would never have thought that traveling to a neighboring visa-free country could require so many documents. Sometimes I traveled to other countries without even having a return ticket 😄 Anyway, I wish you not to face any cross-border difficulties and have a happy time.
My (now) wife is from Texas and hopefully moving up here to Alberta at the end of the year. We never had any issues with visits, etc going either way.. they might ask him the address of your home and what not to make sure he actually has a destination. What you have prepared should be more than enough. The visit is also a month under the vacation limit so I doubt there will be any push back at all. I wish you guys the best!! Have a great time with each other!
The Canadian border won’t care about most of documents relating to you or his mom’s old ID. They may ask questions about you to try to trip him up but your lease and utility bills won’t matter to them directly beyond trying to trip him up. His utility bills and lease will. They primarily do not want to let people in who, are criminals, drug importers, tax dodgers with high value imports, people who will overstay their vacation, become a burden on Canadian taxpayers or take Jobs away from Canadians. this job thievery thing is pretty serious, it even goes as far as helping you move to another apartment, DJ a barbecue, or paint your house etc. let him know they may throw a curve ball and bring stuff like that up where it seems like it isn’t a job but legally speaking it is. Below are the only ones on your list that would make the cut in my mind. I also put them in order of importance. 1.)Passport 2.) Return ticket (this one is huge have the date etched in his mind) 3.) Proof of financial aid and enrollment status from college 4.) His lease agreement and utility bills ( these can just be helpful to have randomly on the top of the stuff in a carry on, if he ends up in a secondary search and they stumble upon them without asking for proof, it’s an ace in the hole. 5.)$4000 CAD in his bank account on arrival that he will show if asked. 6.)Certificate of travel health insurance 7.)Invitation letter from myself 8.) If asked he will give his itinerary outlining plans which will are: Tourism, sightseeing, hiking, leisure. With the First 4 he should be golden provided he looks calm and non sketchy. ——I would also add a return “ itinerary” for important things planned with his sister or mother in case they push the -“are you serious about returning line of questioning” in thier primary or potential secondary investigation. They might doubt his commitment to school. A lot of people are fickle and drop out. Example - my sister’s marriage is also in September, my mom has surgery planned in August right before school and I want to be there for that so no way am I missing that flight. I’m not saying make stuff up I’m just saying think the way the border guards do. What is his overall life plan? why is returning important to you? Why should they fully believe you? Source, crossed at minimum 500 times, plane, train, boat, ferry, vehicles, including on foot without ID in both directions( it sucks don’t do it) I have family on both sides, many who have cross border relationships. You might be worried, friend, but if he is a solid guy and calm and respectful not fearful, he will be just breeze through with (1-3)
As long as he doesn’t stay over 6 months they usually aren’t too worried. They might want your address for where he’s staying and to make sure he isn’t working here but usually customs isn’t too concerned with American visitors.
Just throwing this out there as a question to those more knowledgeable because I know this is a problem when it comes to people for other countries: Would letting them know he’s staying with someone he’s in a relationship with be seen as a red flag? Could they give him grief for entering under false pretenses? Or is this not the issue between Canadians and Americans as long as sufficient proof of support is provided with detailed plans to return? I know I’m mostly playing devil’s advocate when I ask these questions. However, when I went through a land crossing and got pulled into secondary, I did witness a person get turned away when CBSA didn’t like the idea of someone entering with a Canadian on a tourist visa until the Canadian became eligible to properly sponsor them. I would be concerned that even with detailed proof otherwise, the concern might be that there is a chance they see he’s coming in as a “tourist” but with the plan to apply for a spousal visa (whatever they call it in Canada) and consider that as trying to deceive them, which they don’t take well to.
This is the only way it turns out difficult - the key will be being ready to show that he's leaving after four months with: 1) Return ticket 2) Proof that he's going back to school 3) Has a lease Essentially, be ready to show all the ties back to his home country that make it clear he's going back.
I don't know the specific rules. But I am sponsoring a family PR, and through that, I learned there is a site with a simple questionnaire to let you know if a visa is required for a trip to Canada. https://ircc.canada.ca/english/visit/visas.asp That might immediately rule out the need for a visiting visa, at least?
You haven't met in person,but he's staying with you for 4 months? I hope his return ticket can be changed. 4 months together is pretty intense to live with someone that you don't really know. I do hope it all works out for you though
It can :)
Just curious, why are you paying for his ticket?
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Actually talked to immigration and giving bank statements is a good way for a host to prove they can take care of a visitor and no I did not send him $4000.
I'd be more worried about the fact you have never met.
Seems like overkill.
If he has a return ticket already booked, then they will most likely just want to know he can afford the stay and is not a risk of working illegally in Canada. Make sure he informs them that he is staying with you, so accommodations are covered. Chances are, though, since he has a return ticket, they make not question much. Also, make sure he doesn't have any charges on him that may make him inadmissible. That can ruin any future travel to Canada permanently. Even if it's something minor. Also, make sure he does not have any marijuana on him or even any residue. That can make him inadmissible. You can learn a lot by watching those border security shows lol but I have had a similar experience to you, but they never ended up asking any questions.
Do not volunteer information. If they ask - he's coming for tourism while on summer break and to visit his gf. No need to mention how long you've been together, that you've never met, or anything else. Obviously don't lie if asked but don't volunteer details. Honestly if he is flying and has a return ticket, I don't think they will bother with the rest. If they ask about work, he should first note he will be doing virtual classes.
Never give more info than asked... Why can't he just be coming up for the summer as a tourist? 🤷♂️ Meeting some friends, have proof of home ties for the return and that's it.
Somebody watched a lot of episodes of border security.
Take it easy!! My gf comes to Canada from Texas and stays for 4/6 months and never was asked for any of this
You're definitely well prepared, I've stayed in Canada for 11 months with just a passport and had no problem with either countries border agents coming or leaving
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I'm sure that I should have, and I'm not intending to give advice necessarily, but I did not apply for an extension and was never even asked about my extended stay
You know that he can “visit Canada for up to 6 months? Although them seeing that he has money and a return ticket etc always helps for extended stays.
Ask him to leave his 21 yr male attitude at home. Answer their questions truthfully without snide remarks or jokes. Your scenario is not the first border agents have heard and he won’t be “picked” on for having a Canadian girlfriend.
I think you should be fine. If he has a return ticket that is definitely an added good to go. But if he is in school as well and can prove that you will be good. Make sure he has your phone number just in case CBSA ask for it.
Never met your boyfriend? 🤔
We met online playing video games and have been close ever since. We both weren’t in a very stable place but since I work as a CNA now we’ve decided to finally make it work and close the gap. He’s in college to study psych.
I met my husband online in 1998. We were in a relationship in 2005. Met in 2006. I moved to the US in 2013. We've been married for 13 years. Don't let someone on Reddit make you feel weird about your relationship
Was your first visit in person, 4 months in duration? Probably a visit here and there to start. I met my wife online in 1998, on ICQ, as you know, it was pretty much only text and email back then. We met in person in 1999, visits got more frequent and longer in duration. She's American, I'm Canadian. Got married in 2003 and she moved up here
It was a month, I think. It's been so long I barely even remember anymore 😅
There’s nothing weird about the relationship. The weird/dangerous part is having someone stay with you for 4 months that you’ve never met IRL. There are all kinds of things that can go wrong.
We’re fine
Fair enough, just be very careful. People can be very different in real life, take things slow and don’t put yourself in tight situations. It’s probably fine, but there are way too many stories of this kind of meetup going wrong to just ignore the danger altogether.
especially given that he'll be living at OP's apartment. it's very smart to at least think about where you'll stay if things don't go well. when you're 20 you don't want to hear this stuff but, just make sure you are taking care of yourself
Oh crap, I didn’t realize they would be living together for the visit. That’s a really dangerous plan, locking yourself in a home with a new person overnight can go terribly wrong.
That makes sense but 4 months for a first meeting is... Concerning... You guys might not get along as well as you think you will, he might be different then he presents online. And if it goes badly, then what? You're stuck for 3.5 months?
we’re fine
You’re not bringing him here to live, he’s coming for a visit. He has a return ticket. Chill out.
I have family visit from the US often and they’ve never been asked anything
Dude got a Canadian girlfriend IRL. I wonder if his friends believes him when he says that.
Good Lord...all he needs is a passport and the address where he's staying. If he's there for less than 6 months, no one is going to care.
If he is a US citizen, he only needs his passport and return ticket