Is it true u can only spend 6mths a year in canada?

Question

my fiancee is canadian and i am american i was told you can only spend 6mths a yr in canada is that true or can i apply for longer and if so how do i go about doing that?

Answer 1

Yes, you can only get 6 months at a time, otherwise you would be residing in Canada and in order to do that you must get permanent residence (meaning that you want to stay here permanently).  You can't just come and stay in Canada without the government keeping track of you.

If you have a purpose for staying (ie...waiting for residence approval) then you can apply for a renewal on your visit visa and generally you will be given an extension.

If you leave Canada during your 180 days then you will have to forfeit your visitor visa---it is not good for re-entry.

The visitor visa (also called temporary residence) is not valid for working or studying in Canada.  You must have permanent status to do these things.    

The instructions for renewing your visitor visa will be found on the current visitor visa that you should be getting if you plan to stay.

Answer 2

I don't know but it's not information that interests me. I like it here in the USA.

Answer 3

without immigrating yes you can only stay 6 months

Answer 4

Americans may be allowed up to 180 days in Canada (and Canadians to US likewise) without a visa, but for purposes of tourism only.  You cannot work, etc.

If you want to stay in Canada, or get married, your fiance has to apply for a fiance visa, then a spousal visa after the marriage.  If you want to live and work there (assuming you're not marrying, or at least not soon), your employer must apply for an employment visa.

Answer 5

Yes it is true for American visitors.

www.cic.gc.ca  is the immigration website