Border run to extend visitor visa?

[Elaine amj]

Hi, trying to figure out if a border run is a better idea than a formal visa extension application.

My mother arrived in Canada on Nov 2017 and originally planned to leave 6 months late in May 2018. We took a daytrip to the US in December 2017 and she got a new stamp in her passport with no expiry date added (does this mean she can now stay until June 2018??)

We are considering daytripping to the US soon for a border run (flagpoling?) as she would now like to stay until July 2018.

We have no issues applying for a formal extension of her visitor visa. However, we live close to the border and daytrip to the US frequently. I am concerned that she will not be able to leave and re-enter Canada with a visitor record, which would be a problem for her, especially with some upcoming travel plans.

I’d love some advice, including what to say to the border agent. Also, does the current stamp in her passport mean she can stay until June 2018?

Thanks!!

 

[Jalex23]

Hi, trying to figure out if a border run is a better idea than a formal visa extension application.

My mother arrived in Canada on Nov 2017 and originally planned to leave 6 months late in May 2018. We took a daytrip to the US in December 2017 and she got a new stamp in her passport with no expiry date added (does this mean she can now stay until June 2018??)

We are considering daytripping to the US soon for a border run (flagpoling?) as she would now like to stay until July 2018.

We have no issues applying for a formal extension of her visitor visa. However, we live close to the border and daytrip to the US frequently. I am concerned that she will not be able to leave and re-enter Canada with a visitor record, which would be a problem for her, especially with some upcoming travel plans.

I’d love some advice, including what to say to the border agent. Also, does the current stamp in her passport mean she can stay until June 2018?

Thanks!!

Yes, if she got a new stamp then she can stay until June 2018.

Each time she comes back she is reassessed. She can be refused entry, given a shorter stay, given extra 6 months or her entry will be honored.

IMO it is quite risky. It seems that the CBSA officer gave extra 6 months as it was a authentic day trip, so he was kind. Now it very well seem too obvious your mother is trying to abuse the rules, skipping the line of visitor extensions. My advise is: don't try to be smart.