Visitor visa valid for 6 months stay - at one time or in a year?

[beasty.boy]

I need to bring my parents to stay with us for 8 months while my wife goes through delivery. I don't have a PR yet, so I cannot apply for a super-visa. My parents are applying for a visitor visa with proper documentation.

Assuming they get their visitor visa approved, can they stay from Jan - Apr 2014, leave Canada for 2 months, come back in Jun & stay until Oct 2014? This means they will be staying for a total of 8 months (2 X 4 month period with a 2 month gap in between). Is that OK, or can they stay only for maximum of 6 months in a given calendar year?

Your opinions are welcome, but I'm really looking for answers from people who have actually done this & have had no issues later.

Thank you!

 

[beasty.boy]

I know there is opportunity to extend beyond 6 months, but it is a hit-or-miss & usually not recommended because it affects ones future chances to come back as a visitor.

 

[zardoz]

I need to bring my parents to stay with us for 8 months while my wife goes through delivery. I don't have a PR yet, so I cannot apply for a super-visa. My parents are applying for a visitor visa with proper documentation.

Assuming they get their visitor visa approved, can they stay from Jan - Apr 2014, leave Canada for 2 months, come back in Jun & stay until Oct 2014? This means they will be staying for a total of 8 months (2 X 4 month period with a 2 month gap in between). Is that OK, or can they stay only for maximum of 6 months in a given calendar year?

Your opinions are welcome, but I'm really looking for answers from people who have actually done this & have had no issues later.

Thank you!

This will depend on whether it's a multiple entry visa or not. If it is, in theory, yes. BUT, upon arrival at the Point of Entry, the permitted stay duration can be reduced by the issuing of a Visitor Record. They will need to show that they can support themselves financially during their visit(s).