ETA-CUMULATIVE-6M visa immigration_risk ai_generated true

AI tells a UK citizen they can use a Canadian eTA for multiple entries over 5 years, but that each stay resets the 6-month limit by a quick exit to the US

ID: visa/canada-eta-validity

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
72%Fix Rate
87%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-01-10First Seen

Version Compatibility

VersionStatusIntroducedDeprecatedNotes
IRCC 2025 active — — —
eTA Program active — — —
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act active — — —

Root Cause

Canadian eTA allows multiple entries for up to 5 years or passport expiry, but each visit is limited to 6 months unless extended by an officer; a quick exit to the US does not reset the clock—CBSA officers assess cumulative stay and may deny re-entry if they suspect residence intent

generic

中文

加拿大eTA允许5年内或护照到期前多次入境，但每次访问限于6个月，除非官员批准延期；快速前往美国不会重置时间——CBSA官员会评估累计停留时间，若怀疑有居住意图可拒绝再次入境

Official Documentation

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Workarounds

  1. 70% success Respect the 6-month limit per visit. If you need to stay longer, apply for a Visitor Record (extension) before your 6 months expire via IRCC online portal. Do not rely on border runs. 
    Respect the 6-month limit per visit. If you need to stay longer, apply for a Visitor Record (extension) before your 6 months expire via IRCC online portal. Do not rely on border runs.
  2. 50% success If you have a genuine need for longer stays, consider a Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens) or a work/study permit for authorized activities. 
    If you have a genuine need for longer stays, consider a Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens) or a work/study permit for authorized activities.

中文步骤

  1. Respect the 6-month limit per visit. If you need to stay longer, apply for a Visitor Record (extension) before your 6 months expire via IRCC online portal. Do not rely on border runs.
  2. If you have a genuine need for longer stays, consider a Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens) or a work/study permit for authorized activities.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 90% fail

    Flagpoling (leaving to US and returning) does not reset the 6-month period—CBSA may reduce the stay to days or deny entry if they see a pattern

  2. 95% fail

    Assuming you can stay 6 months, leave for 1 day, and return for another 6 months—CBSA uses the 'totality of circumstances' test, including cumulative time in Canada