eTA Port of Entry Visiting Concerns

[Mi5ter Duel]

I am a Canadian Citizen and my wife is Taiwanese. We have just applied for her PR, but expect it will take several months to be approved. However, we are moving to Canada this September, 2021. Taiwanese are visa exempt so longs as they have an eTA which should allow her to stay in Canada for six months.

I am concerned because Canadian government websites state that the officers at the port of entry may choose to permit less than 6 months if they so choose for eTA travelers. This is problematic as it would interfere plans.

So my question is, should my Taiwanese wife (who is visa exempt) expect to be permitted a 6 month visit when using an eTA?

 

[steaky]

I am a Canadian Citizen and my wife is Taiwanese. We have just applied for her PR, but expect it will take several months to be approved. However, we are moving to Canada this September, 2021. Taiwanese are visa exempt so longs as they have an eTA which should allow her to stay in Canada for six months.

I am concerned because Canadian government websites state that the officers at the port of entry may choose to permit less than 6 months if they so choose for eTA travelers. This is problematic as it would interfere plans.

So my question is, should my Taiwanese wife (who is visa exempt) expect to be permitted a 6 month visit when using an eTA?

By the end of her 6 months stay in Canada, she can apply for extending her stay. It is a non-issue in most cases.

 

[Mi5ter Duel]

thank you! I wonder when they would not permit a visitor to stay for six months? Like, what are the red flags that would cause them to limit the stay for a visitor?

 

[bellaluna]

thank you! I wonder when they would not permit a visitor to stay for six months? Like, what are the red flags that would cause them to limit the stay for a visitor?

I recall on an episode of Border Security the CBSA officer gave a one month stay to someone who admitted they were coming in to look for work, and they were told they needed to apply for the correct documentation (work permit).

Really rare circumstances, in the end. Mismatch of intent vs. documentation, and not having enough funds to support one’s stay in Canada. (Your wife won’t have a problem with this.)

If your wife admits the truth, (visiting her Canadian citizen spouse, has a PR application in progress—although some people suggest not to volunteer this info unless directly asked), she should be fine.