Posted on: 26-10-08 11:43:02
Please help me with understand visitor visa validity. My mother got visitor visa recently with start date Oct 2, 2008 and Expiry Date (Validity Until) date April 4, 2009. Travel agents in India are saying that they have to return to India on or before April 4, 2009. My understanding is after they arrive in Canada they will be given six months. But travel agents are saying that that rule has changed now for most country including Canada and US visitor visa.
Please let me know if anyone has recently arrived on visitor visa or know the change in such rule.
Many thanks.
Pachi
Quote:
Originally posted by pachi
Please help me with understand visitor visa validity. My mother got visitor visa recently with start date Oct 2, 2008 and Expiry Date (Validity Until) date April 4, 2009. Travel agents in India are saying that they have to return to India on or before April 4, 2009. My understanding is after they arrive in Canada they will be given six months. But travel agents are saying that that rule has changed now for most country including Canada and US visitor visa.
Please let me know if anyone has recently arrived on visitor visa or know the change in such rule.
Many thanks.
Pachi
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If they do not write the expiry date in the entry stamp, then one can stay for a period of upto SIX months, that is the normally allowed stay.
"The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. The period is usually six months. In some cases, the officer may limit this period to cover only the intended purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you are unsure about anything." This is at the P.O.E.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/arriving.asp
If they have changed the system, then they are adhering to the same rules as India is doing to the foreigners. (This is a reciprocal arrangement).
Hope this helps you a little.
Good Luck.
Freddie.
Many thanks Freddie,
Your reply is quite informative. Today I phone CIC call center (within Canada only) phone number. They confirmed same over the automated phone system and live operator.
Regards.
Pachi
What was the final answer here?
I was under the impression that expiry dates are stamped on any visa's and all that it indicates that one has to travel prior to that expiry date?
And at the P.O.E, the officer would decide how long one can stay in Canada?
Is that not true?
Pls advise
Yes. That is true. Check CIC web site they state same thing @ http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5551E2.asp
Hi Pachi,
Pls check ur PM. Have sent u a message.Thx
