Clarification on Multiple Entry Visa

[CaroM8]

Hello!

My boyfriend from Guatemala has just been granted a Multiple Entry Visa, valid for 3 years. While I understand what it entails, I've looked through the CIC website to find the answers to these questions and cannot seem to find it! Help

1. Is there a minimum amount of time or days that the holder of this visa must be OUT of Canada before re-entering again?

2. Can he travel to the US (by land) with this visa? If yes, when re-entering Canada, does it count as a different entry, or will he still be on the same period? Example: If he enters Canada on May 1st, and the officer grants him the full 6 months, then in July we decide to drive to the US for a bit and come back. Upon re-entry, will he be reassessed by the border officer and possibly given a new 6 months stay, or is the first 6 months still ongoing?

I hope my questions are clear! Thanks for your answers!

 

[scylla]

There is no minimum amount of time he must be outside of Canada before re-entering. However if he starts spending more time in Canada than outside of Canada and behaving like he lives here (rather than just visiting) - it's possible he could be refused entry or only given a short time to stay in Canada on his next visit (rather than the full six months).

Driving down to the US as a means of extending his visit is risky. He would be better off applying for an extension to his visit within Canada.

 

[CaroM8]

Thank you so much for your quick reply!!

The reason I was asking about the US border thing is because where I live (Ottawa) it is not that far a drive to the US. The closest border crossing is only about an hour away, and my family and I often drive down there for a quick visit. And actually NYC is only about 8hrs away driving so when my boyfriend is here we might take this opportunity to go visit there too

 

[scylla]

I would limit the trips to the US. Remember - he's only here as a visitor. Visitors generally don't pop down to the US every few weeks or once a month. That's a behaviour you see from people who live in Canada. If he starts acting like someone who lives in Canada, he's increasing his chances of problems at the border. If you plan one or two trips to the US over a six month period - that's probably fine. I wouldn't be heading over more often than that (just my opinion).

Canada also sometimes tends to frown on people who "flagpole". (Flagpoling is when you visit the US for a short period of time as a means of getting another six months stay in Canada.) So it's a dice roll as to whether this will work on not.

Ultimately what happens at the border is entirely up to the immigration officer you happen to be dealing with.

 

[CaroM8]

I will keep this information in mind, thanks!

Yeah we were thinking just once to go to NYC for a few days, maybe twice at most! So I think we should be ok! By no means are we trying to "scam the system" , haha!