how long am I allowed to stay in Canada without a visa with 1 year

[kathi2]

Hello!
I'm a German citizen planning to visit Canada a few times over the next year to visit my fiance. I read everywhere that I am allowed to stay for 6 month with only an eta but I couldn't find out whether that means I can come for 6 month within one year or come for 6 month, go home for a day and return for another 6 month. I'm not planning to do it that excessively but I might actually be in Canada for more than 6 month in 2016, if I was allowed. I hope someone can help with this.

If it wasn't allowed or maybe just even possible that a border officer declines my re-entering, would it be possible to get a travel visa and then visit again?
(I can prove I'll come back to Germany because I have exams to write for my State Exam in law.)

Thanks for any advise!

 

[scylla]

How long you are allowed to stay when you enter Canada is actually determined by the official you speak to at immigration. You should be given the default six months - but it's possible to only be granted a shorter visit (or even refused entry although this is rare). If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension from within Canada.

There is technically no limit to how much time you are allowed to spend in Canada. However if you spend too much time here you may start running into problems entering the country since immigration may feel you are behaving as someone who is trying to live in Canada rather than just visit.

If you are refused entry for any reason, you can certainly try visiting again later. Note that the refusal will be on your record and would be visible to officials the next time you try to enter.