Does travel to the US by land extend visitor visa?

[mia1588]

Hi everyone, asking for my mother in law who entered Canada by air back in August (so her stay is valid until Feb). However, in October we travelled to the US to get her immigration biometrics done. She did not get stamped on her way back, nor did we need to get out of the car to see an officer to go over her file.

So I'm wondering does the same day visit to the US extend her visitor visa validity to April? We consulted a lawyer who said that we are OK until April, yet others are saying travel to the US no longer extend visitor visa... Anyone with similar experience?

 

[k.h.p.]

It does not extend the status of the visa, but if her passport was not stamped, she was readmitted for six months.

 

[mia1588]

It does not extend the status of the visa, but if her passport was not stamped, she was readmitted for six months.

Thanks so much for the quick reply. Sorry to clarify, so because it was not stamped, the date of her entry into Canada remain as August?

I guess the visa validity is not impacted, but rather how long can she stay in Canada? Until Feb or Apr?

 

[k.h.p.]

No, you're mixing terms.

A visa is only permission to travel to the Point of entry. Leaving Canada doesn't affect the visa validity. It's a sticker in the passport.

When you enter Canada, if your passport is not stamped, you're admitted for six months. You have visitor status for six months. Leaving Canada and returning, if no stamp in passport, gives you another six months.

 

[mia1588]

No, you're mixing terms.

A visa is only permission to travel to the Point of entry. Leaving Canada doesn't affect the visa validity. It's a sticker in the passport.

When you enter Canada, if your passport is not stamped, you're admitted for six months. You have visitor status for six months. Leaving Canada and returning, if no stamp in passport, gives you another six months.

Aha, I see! Thank you so much! That's great to know. Thank you!

 

[canuck78]

Would recommend you apply online for an extension. There is no chance that she can be refused entry to Canada.

 

[Buletruck]

No, you're mixing terms.

A visa is only permission to travel to the Point of entry. Leaving Canada doesn't affect the visa validity. It's a sticker in the passport.

When you enter Canada, if your passport is not stamped, you're admitted for six months. You have visitor status for six months. Leaving Canada and returning, if no stamp in passport, gives you another six months.

Cbsa is (or has) stopped stamping passports on entry unless requested. Not receiving a stamp doesn’t necessarily mean you have an additional 6 months. You may be readmitted on the original entry. Best to apply for an extension to be certain.

 

[k.h.p.]

Cbsa is (or has) stopped stamping passports on entry unless requested. Not receiving a stamp doesn’t necessarily mean you have an additional 6 months. You may be readmitted on the original entry. Best to apply for an extension to be certain.

If you are not admitted for six months they have to tell you, either by a stamp in the passport or a printed visitor record. They can't readmit you on the initial admission without telling you and recording that fact.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

If you are not admitted for six months they have to tell you, either by a stamp in the passport or a printed visitor record. They can't readmit you on the initial admission without telling you and recording that fact.

Agreed.