hi i hope some one can help me, I am trying to find out, when i british national comes to canada and stays for the allowed six months, then goes back to the uk, how long does the person half to be back in the UK before they can re-enter canada for another 6month stay, or is there even a certain timeline? If you can answer my question or tell me where i can find the information to answer it would be great, any help will be greatly appreciated.

You could technically cross into the US for 1 minute and then back into Canada again, in order to comply with the law.

There is no guarantee that the Canadians would let you back in though, if they don't believe you are coming to Canada legitimately.

Made enquiries re this some time ago and was informed 'one six month stay within any 12 month period...

best to make sure though

There is no law that says this. It is probably the rule of thumb used by officers at the port of entry.

To answer the original poster's question, about how long to stay away: there is no legal answer. But I would agree with macadian that it'd be damned hard to convince an immigration officer to give you two six month stays without a decent gap in between. 6 months in Canada every twelve months sounds about right.

What reason would you have for wanting to stay beyond six months? You can apply for a longer visa if you have a good reason.

Sammi
There was a post a few months back that said someone had been visiting their boyfriend in Canada for 6 months then going back to UK for 2 weeks and back to Canada for 6 monhs then uk for 2 weeks. The poster said that after 18 months the immigration person at entry queried the arrangement and said the poster should apply for PR. But apprently still let them in.

Obviously I don't know if the poster was accurately reporting events and maybe they were just lucky.

Dave

ok sorry to sound stupid, but what is a "PR" and what sort of visa would he apply for, and how long would the application process take, and if it runs over his allowed six months, would he have to go back anyway? The reasons for wanting to stay longer then the six months are we are getting married and a few others which are personal

Sammi
PR is permanent residence. It means you can live and work in Canada for ever if you want to. There are a load of different types of ways to apply. You could have a look at www.cic.gc.ca to see the alternatives and/or look in the immigration forum.

If he wants to stay longer than 6 months then he can apply to stay longer - see the site for details but its not gaurenteed they will grant the extension.

For the PR application you can either use a consultant or do the application yourself. Pro and cons of both approaches I guess.

How long will it take to get a PR Visa - short answer seems to be ages. I've been waiting 6 months and lots seem to take 1 to 2 years. I believe family sponsorship is supposed to be faster.

Cheers
Dave

Hi Sammi,

I always thought it was six months out, then six months gap before coming back but if youve got enough savings to last you then get a return ticket and if they refuse you at least you tried. I reckon it depends more on the whether the officer has had a grumpy day or not to let you through!

Cheers.

As a Uk national, yes you are allowed to stay for six months in canada before you leave, but be prepared for a thorough questioning from the immigration officers, as to why you are here for six months.

The moment you mention that to the passport control people, they quickly send you into a room where they ask you the questions. It goes like this, why are you here?, where are you going to be staying?, who are you here to see?, have you got enough money to spend while you are here?

You are not automatically allowed to stay for six months, at the same time, remember any false declarations, can screw up your coming into canada again, and that goes for if you over stay.

Good luck