Canadian Living in the US for a Year?

First off, I am really glad I have found this forum. My girlfriend and I have many questions about immigration, but I will save those questions for later.

My girlfriend and I met on the internet about six years ago and have been dating for about five of them. For the past four years, both her and I have been traveling back and forward to visit one another -- usually for 2 - 4 weeks each year.

We are now at that point in our life where we are thinking about marriage, but we aren't really sure that we should. Although we have been together for five years, we only actually been with one another for about nine weeks. I know with a normal visa, she can come out here for up to six months each calender year, so we were thinking maybe she should come out here near fall and we can spend those six months together to see if we are really compatible like we are on the internet.

The problem is, I do not think six months is enough time to truly determine something like this, and it had me thinking: if a normal visa would allow her to come out here six months per calender year, what if she came out here for five months until the end of this year then spend the next six months next year out here with me without returning?

For example, she plans on coming out here sometime in August. Would she be allowed to stay here from August till December (which will be five months this year), then in January, stay here from January until the end of June next year? I would really like to spend more time with her before we truly decide marriage as an option.

Thanks in advance.

Hmm, it really boils down to what the CBSA agent thinks, but I doubt they'd be okay with someone spending six months in the country then flagpoling it and spending another six months in the country. Certainly she'd have to leave and re-enter.

As soon as you say you're visiting your boyfriend/girlfriend and want to stay for six months they usually automatically assume immigrant intent unless you've got some significant evidence to the contrary.

As soon as you say you're visiting your boyfriend/girlfriend and want to stay for six months they usually automatically assume immigrant intent unless you've got some significant evidence to the contrary.

Stalking around on the forums, I have learned that here. I am really grateful too because that's what she would have told them. Although, most of her visit she will be looking around at various universities to finish off her degree.

So chances are she'd be better off going back home in December (or January), then returning back out here at a later time? I did want to return back to NFL myself so I could try ice fishing, so that wouldn't be a problem.

I'm getting a bit confused over who is moving where, you're talking about in the US or Canada?

If you're talking about the US then I'd be surprised if someone could get in for six months then immediately re-enter, regardless of whether it is another calendar year or not. In the other direction, CBSA seem to be a slightly lighter touch, although the law is very similar.

If she's going to the US for six months, bear in mind the law requires proof of abode abroad and sufficient funds to cover the trip, CBP will be looking for evidence of both. Generally the trick is to not bring large amounts of luggage or in any way make it look like a permanent move, e.g. bringing pets. Bank statement or a letter from the bank manager is a good idea.

And she won't be able to work legally during that time. How do you propose to live and pay bills and buy food if she has no job and no income?

Risky business trying to stay longer than 6 months. And not entirely legal either.