Staying for the legal limit of 6 months?

[Willzie]

Hi there, can someone please simplify how you stay for the limit of 6 months!?

I'd like to be absolutely honest to the Border officers and say I will be staying with my Girlfriend (Canadian Citizen)
But I've read people aren't always doing this!

I suppose the main questions are

; Do you automatically get the 6 months once they stamp your passport? & if so what's an exit stamp? (not that you will but how do they know you've left?)
; Do you book a return ticket for 6 months later?

I've also read some visitors say less but stay for longer, obviously being within the legal limit. Confusing as you should always be honest with them.

Any clarification or related experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[simplyaddo]

; Do you automatically get the 6 months once they stamp your passport? & if so what's an exit stamp? (not that you will but how do they know you've left?)
; Do you book a return ticket for 6 months later?

I've also read some visitors say less but stay for longer, obviously being within the legal limit. Confusing as you should always be honest with them.

Any clarification or related experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

6 months is a the max they *may* give you. The Canadian Border Control officer at the port of entry will decide how long you are eligible to stay in the country for. Of course, you could always apply for an extension, before the end of your stay.

Make sure you book your return flight in a way that allows you to be flexible.

 

[Bs65]

The period you are able to stay will be based on answers to any questions such as are you employed, purpose of visit, funds for visit and hAving a return ticket. A visit of 6 months is a long time for a visit hence previous posters comment you may not get that period if not convincing you will leave. Most people though worry too much about what ifs and usually find CBSA are fine, they just have a job to do.

There is no procedure for an exit stamp, leaving Canada is more a matter of trust an individual will leave when they are supposed to although i guess stretching a point an airline has a record of departure whether they would share that with CBSA no idea.

 

[scylla]

There is no procedure for an exit stamp, leaving Canada is more a matter of trust an individual will leave when they are supposed to although i guess stretching a point an airline has a record of departure whether they would share that with CBSA no idea.

Not stretching at all. CBSA has access to airline manifests.