6 Month Visitation Rule

[bodington]

I know as an American visitor I'm allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per year. My question is: How does Immigration define 6 months. Is it Jan.1st thru Dec.31st. or is it when you first enter into Canada?

 

[AnaMaria]

The day you enter to Canada is when the counting starts. But you can extend your stay. It is usually the case that you will be given 6 month when you cross the boarder but not always; shorter or longer. As long as you are not red flagged, you can extend the stay.

 

[Creampop]

I know as an American visitor I'm allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months per year. My question is: How does Immigration define 6 months. Is it Jan.1st thru Dec.31st. or is it when you first enter into Canada?

This is not correct... you are allowed up to 6 months per visit... once you leave that visit is over next time you enter the 6 months starts again... this was told to me by IO at POE which means you come visit stay for 6 months leave and go back for another 6 months providing you get passed the IO without alot of questions as to why you staying so long etc...

As long as you are not red flagged, you can extend the stay.

This is also incorrect... I have 3 red-flags, all red-flagging your passport does is require you to go into immigration and answer a million more questions, sometimes show proof as to what the red-flag was put there for. like, the one red flag I got cus my husband is hearing impaired and can not hear on the phone I told the IO this yet she insisted on calling him she asked 1 question, does your girlfriend live with you he didn't understand her (and like he always does when he doesn't hear something he said yea ok) she took that as yes and red-flagged me so every time I crossed I would have to provide a current lease and pay subs.

 

[funkyskunk]

What if you cross over to the states, during the initial 6 months and they don't stamp your passport on your return into Canada? Does that mean the original date stamp is what we use to count the 6 months.

e.g land in Canada stamped 4 April
go to the states stamped as entering the states 17 July
return to Canada 18 July and not stamped...

I am assuming I go by the original date that i landed in Canada (4 April)? to determine the validity date?

 

[Creampop]

funkyskunk, if you are from visa exempt Country, you left Canada, then the date changed... whether or not you got a stamp it's in the system that you entered July 18th so the 6 months restarts...

 

[funkyskunk]

that's fantastic you have just made my day! Do you have a source that i can read, so that i can 100% sure? As i would hate to risk being classed as an overstay.

 

[Creampop]

I think people tend to get this idea because the US only allows Canadians in the US for 6 months out of a year... I can find proof saying that but, there is nothing stating otherwise for Canada, on the CIC website it states that the length of your stay is determined by the Officer at time of entry, so if you leave Canada that visit is over and the next time you enter (new visit), the Officer will determine the length of this stay. My husband and I have 2 children and I have been crossing the border for 13 years and I know I have spent more the 6 months in Canada in a years time and I was crossing 3 to 4 times a months with 3 red-flags on my passport. when I have more time if I can find something I will post it.

 

[funkyskunk]

Ok thank you that's great, I am from a visa-exempt country. PPM can you confirm this?

 

[blueangel371115]

I have been going back and forth to see my boyfriend and only got hassled this last time, going back into the US. Just because I couldn't remember the last time he visited me. We had to go into the center and answer more questions. He said I should try for a visa to Canada and my boyfriend was like 'working on it' but boy was that scary. Admittedly, I do cross into Canada more then he does to the US but it's mostly due to his work schedule and hours I just hang out til he comes home but as it it's a 3 hr drive to my house it's not possible.