toaster

BUNAC ppl -- did you see this thread? Anyone heard any other cases like this?

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=454217

cyclopes

Tonnes of accommodation up here at the moment, it's only October->April it's tough. It's also the most awesome place on the planet ;-)

http://piquenewsmagazine.com/pique/i...mmodation+1421

andrewrb143

I've actually heard of one person doing this. An australian girl defied all earthly rules in getting a BUNAC extension. If you do get an extension it's probably because you lucked out beyond belief due to immigration incompetence along the line somewhere.

L'il Bear

Hi, I arrived here on a BUNAC visa to be with my partner. We have been together for 7 years (started at university) but a lot of that has been long distance - visits etc. I looked into applying as common-law. We had lived together in the UK for almost a year, and then there was a gap before I landed here. We were told that only consecutive time would count so I could apply after the BUNAC visa had ended. I rang Immigration Canada (1-888-242-2100) to advise me on a visa extension - they told me that as long as I had proof that I had mailed my application for 'change of conditions' before my initial visa had expired then I was safe. This worked out fine for me but I would advise applying at least 30 days before your visa runs out. You need to apply for a change of conditions from a work visa to a visitor visa and this will allow you to remain with out exiting the country http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/informa...end-worker.asp. In this you will have to state how you intend to support yourself - whether you, your partner have funds and if there is anyone else, parents etc that would be willing to support you during this time. I stated the funds I had accessible to me (incl. those of my partner and how much my mother could send) I wasn't required to send any proof of this but had to include the address of my partner and mum. You will also have to state that you intend to apply for PR during this time. When stating your reasons I was advise to always use 'visit with my partner' as opposed to 'stay with my partner' - I am not sure how important this is - but my extension was granted without any issues.

I hoped this has helped - if you have any other queries then don't hesitate to ask I should mention that I am in BC and don't know if the procedures will be different in Quebec. Best of LUCK

Canuck Fan

Hi there,

I came back from completing my BUNAC year in may 2006. This is the first time i've come across this BUNAC thread, but I haven't heard about the extention? I can't see the govt relaxing it due to the number of people from the UK wishing to emigrate on the SW programme...but you never know, and thats currently taking 3-4 yrs.

I would just like to give a word of advice to those out there on BUNAC looking for sponsorship. My ex employer in Vancouver tried to sponsor me (i worked as an Office Manager), I was rejected due to the fact the job was not specialised and that a Canadian could easily do it. It was quite a knock back due to the fact i'd met my canadian boyfriend out there and wanted desperatly to return. So unless you have a recognised occupational skill you may have problems, just a word of warning.