"just visiting" 3 months or 'up to 6 months'? Return ticket needed?

[Bunintheoven]

I'm from Poland and apparently we get 3 months no visa and up to 6 months stay with no Visa, per the discretion of CBSA at point of entry.

I have been once already to Canada for 2 months (with return flight) and the border guard then said 'no problem, stay up to 6 months' and stamped passport accordingly.

I want to return this time with a one way ticket (for flexibile return date) but will this cause problems at border? Do I need to prove to them somehow that I will not stay?

Can I also apply in advance to get 6 months stay (without an actual visa needed since I won't be working nor planning to reside in Canada for more than a few months a year when we visit) ?

 

[scylla]

Yes - a one way ticket will create problems. Get a 2 way ticket. Besides having problems at the border, it's entirely possible the airline won't even allow you to board the airplane to come to Canada without a 2 way ticket.

No - there is nothing you can apply for in advance that will guarantee you're granted a six month stay. Whether you have a visitor visa or are entering on your passport alone, how long you are allowed to actually stay is always up to the immigration officer you encounter at the border.

 

[Bunintheoven]

why would the airline not allow you to board if you have a one way ticket?

 

[scylla]

Financial reasons. There's always some chance a visitor to Canada may be refused entry into Canada. If they are refused entry into Canada then they are sent home on the first return flight on the same airline. If that visitor has a round trip ticket, it effectively doesn't cost the airline anything to get them home. If the visitor only has a one way ticket, then the airline has to transport the visitor back home at their own cost.

 

[scylla]

Besides, in many cases it actually costs more to buy a one way ticket than a round trip...

 

[mikeymyke]

Buy round trip, enter Canada, change departure date.