extended visit to Canada from US

I live an hour north of Chicago currently. I'm going through some personal things that I don't want to talk about, but basically I'd like to move to Canada for an extended visit.

I'm just beginning my research, so I'm sure I will find answers on Google, but I'd appreciate if you guys could give me any pointers as well.

> It's my understanding that I could visit for up to 6 months, unless the border patrol agent says differently. Is that true? I'm a self-employed web developer, so I would be working at home on my computer while I'm visiting. Basically I'd like to stay as long as legally possible without needing to get a work visa or something.

> Any suggestions on where to stay? I'd like a very small studio for around 600 USD a month. Or less. The smaller and more spartan the better. Or, long shot, but does anyone even have a bedroom they'd be willing to rent to me?? A medium-sized city would be good, somewhere I can take a bus or walk to get groceries. Since I'm in Chicago, one of the closer provinces like Saskatchewan, Manitoba, or Ontario would be preferred. Would I even be allowed to rent a place if I'm just a tourist? What are my other options? Edit; I'm an idiot and forgot about Airbnb. Looks like that'll be a good option for me

> Not sure if I would fly or drive, depends on where, but if I do drive, am I able to just take a US-plated car and keep it there for 6 months? Do I need to get it inspected or anything?

Thanks

 

Addendum

I've actually decided to go to Quebec, since I took 4 years of French and would like to refresh my memory. Also found a nice place on Airbnb for only $360 a month.

I know Quebec has different rules from Canada re: work visas, immigration, etc. Does it have different rules about tourists? Am I still able to stay 6 months?

Thank you...

 

I think you'll be fine as long as you don't stay longer then 6 months consecutively. I'd recommend Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, or Kelowna.... all very nice. But it sounds as though you've already selected Quebec.

 

Hey Ryan, interesting you have 1 place in the east and 3 in BC! I second that on Kelowna. Love it there.

Chris

 

Hey Webby,

I live in both Chicago and Toronto. I had a student visa for my medical rotations initially which is why I moved to Chicago, but after I was done with school I kept my place in Chicago for a bit longer. I was told by CBSA (Canadian border patrol) that I can stay up to six months without a visa and I could return for six months again as long as I don't work there or claim taxes.

Driving from Toronto is 8 hours and from Montreal (through Sarnia/Flint) is 14 hours to Chicago, hope that helps.

 

Good day Webby,

I would be cautious saying that you will be "working" in Canada... even if your contracts are within the US. Revenue Canada and CBSA (and the equivalent US counterparts... i.e IRS, etc) get pretty uptight if you are visiting/residing and working. To them they feel that you could be part of the underground economy. Typically working within a Country will require some form of a Work permit and then you will need to file taxes, etc in that Country. If you do decide to reside in Canada and telecommute to the US for work, I would suggest you speak with an appropriate US/Canada taxation accountant and/or lawyer to ensure that you are aware of the ramifications (if any) as well as ensuring you have the appropriate legal paper.

As for your second comment about your car... each province has its own requirements. However, to be Canadian plated the car would have to be imported into Canada... which would be a bunch of work and cost. In most cases the local authorities recognize visitors and so would allow you to drive without the car being locally registered. That being said, you will need to contact your insurance company and inform them that you will be on an extended visit, as most policies limit how long you can remain out of your home province/state. When I was living in Chicago my Alberta policy was limited to 30days... and so after that my coverage would have been nil... To address this limitation, my insurance company documented my extended stay and charged me additionally for this coverage.

I hope the above helps!

Cheers,

Sam

 

Thanks a lot everyone!

That was very helpful! Sounds like I will probably not take my car then, and choose my words carefully when they ask why I'm visiting.

Actually, a friend offered me a place to stay in Germany. I had originally chosen Canada because a) I like Canada but also b) it was more cost-effective. But since he's letting me stay there without rent it'd offset the cost of the tickets. So the new plan is Quebec for a couple months, then Germany for a couple months. The more places I can travel the better. Clearly I'm still working things out but I think that's the new plan. That should make it less fishy to the CBSA.