Maximum length of stay on Tourist Visa

[veetee]

Hi All,

My wife is accompanying me on Tourist Visa here in Canada since February 2016. Her Visa status is valid till end of September. 2016. I am wondering if she can stay till her Visa expires or does she have to go back after 6 months from the date she entered Canada i.e. in August 2016.

Since in either case, I have to file for an extension so wondering if I shall apply in the month of June or August.

Anyone with similar situation.? Hoping to hear soon.

 

[Bs65]

Instructions here plus once application is in system should be able to stay on implied status http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend-stay.asp apply 30 days before current 6 months expires

 

[scylla]

She is allowed to stay for six months. If she wants to stay longer, she will need to apply for an extension. The extension has to be received by CIC before the date her visit is supposed to end.

 

[veetee]

So the visa duration( 1 year) has nothing to do with how long the visitor can stay i.e. 1 year vs 6 months. ? Wouldn't it be 6 months, if the visa duration was specifically given for 6 months.?

 

[scylla]

So the visa duration( 1 year) has nothing to do with how long the visitor can stay i.e. 1 year vs 6 months. ? Wouldn't it be 6 months, if the visa duration was specifically given for 6 months.?

The visa duration has nothing to do with how long someone is allowed to stay in Canada. How long someone is allowed to stay in Canada is determined by the CBSA officer at the border. The default is six months - however sometimes only a shorter visit is granted.

People sometimes get 10 year visas. Obviously this doesn't mean they can stay in Canada for 10 years straight. All it means is that they are allowed to visit Canada during those 10 years without having to obtain another visitor visa.

 

[Andre_Smol]

The visa duration has nothing to do with how long someone is allowed to stay in Canada. How long someone is allowed to stay in Canada is determined by the CBSA officer at the border. The default is six months - however sometimes only a shorter visit is granted.

People sometimes get 10 year visas. Obviously this doesn't mean they can stay in Canada for 10 years straight. All it means is that they are allowed to visit Canada during those 10 years without having to obtain another visitor visa.

The only thing I would add is that if you get the birder stamp in your passport without a written date, it means you are allowed to stay for 6 months. If there is a specific date written in the stamp, thats your date then.

You can always apply for an extension before your time is up to extend your stay, assuming it is granted.