eTA, for how long I can stay in Canada?

[Manusc]

I'm from Catalonia, Spain and I'm planing to take a gap year in Canada. I'd like to travel around the country during a year.
Does anyone know if I only need an eTA authorization or other kind of visa?
Many thanks.

 

[Buletruck]

The eTA is only a travel document. CBSA will determine how long you can remain in Canada on your arrival (and it won’t be more than 6 months).

 

[k.h.p.]

You are generally only admitted to the country for six months. You'd need to apply to extend your status, or leave and come back.

It is possible that you may be limited to a shorter time than six months by the border police. They will question how you are going to afford a gap year in Canada without working.

Have you thought about a working holiday visa?

 

[Manusc]

Thanks for your answer. I'm older than 35, so working holiday is not an option. And regarding the money, I have savings to spend a year in Canada and also I'm thinking to help in Canadians homes in exchange for room and board.
Thanks again.

 

[k.h.p.]

Thanks for your answer. I'm older than 35, so working holiday is not an option. And regarding the money, I have savings to spend a year in Canada and also I'm thinking to help in Canadians homes in exchange for room and board.
Thanks again.

Helping in Canadian homes for room and board is considered work, and would be illegal.

 

[Manusc]

Really? I think that there is a project that is called WORKAWAY or HELPEX and that is completely legal, as far as I know... I know a guy that already have done that. And he had not any problems at the customs when he did it...

 

[k.h.p.]

Just because someone else broke the law and got away with it shouldn't mean it is your plan as well. Read this:

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1288&top=17

 

[k.h.p.]

And, from the website of Helpex:

13. Do I need a work visa to be a helper?

Many countries require a work visa in order to be a volunteer helper abroad. Several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and Canada have Working Holiday Schemes for young people from certain countries, which you may wish to investigate further.

 

[Manusc]

Just because someone else broke the law and got away with it shouldn't mean it is your plan as well. Read this:

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1288&top=17

But he didn't broke the law because he told the custom officers all the truth about his plans. He told them about the HELPEX and WORKAWAY projectband the officers told him that was legal. Of course, he only did that for 3 months.

 

[Manusc]

Well, thanks for your answers and I'll take a deeper look about the law. My intention is not broke the law, at all.
Thanks

 

[k.h.p.]

Certain true volunteering programs do not require a work visa.

However, "working in someone's home in exchange for room and board" would almost definitely require a work visa.

It will likely entirely depend on the volunteer opportunity. It will also rely on the host being truthful. What could end up happening to you is a deportation.

Especially since you'd need to apply for an extension or leave the country and try to come back.