Visiting Limitation in Canada

[vsnet 1]

Crossing into Canada the agent warned me to be careful of my "limit" due to frequent weekend visits. Was taken aback and forgot to ask for clarification on the limit. Called the border info line and they were just as confused.

The actual time spent in Canada is Fri-Sun (~48 hours), is that counted as three days rather than two? Even at three days 52 * 3 is only 156 which I suppose is getting close to 6 months minus a day.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Not only is there a days per year limit but there are patterns of behavior that indicate that you are not visiting but doing something else ( living,working ) Going there like clock work implies you are working one side of the border and residing the other. And yes it is 3 days.

[slowlyman 118]

I learn something everyday on this site. Years ago I was spending at least six months a year up north. I was working, and gaining a work permit on each entry, But I never realized there was a time limit.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

The OP is popping over the border like permitted between the US and Canada. But if you are on the US side Monday - Fri and then go to Canada Fri night to Sunday it seems you are commuting to a second home which isn't allowed under the visaless entry rules

[gingernugget 1]

Is there any way to check how many days you have visited and how many you have remaining? And does the year wipe clean on January 1st? I know I am probably no where close as I only go up for Aprox 2 weekends a month to visit my fiancé in the US but I am thinking of taking a vacation week as we'll to visit him and I know it will add up quickly.

[floridaboundcanuk 7]

Is there any way to check how many days you have visited and how many you have remaining? And does the year wipe clean on January 1st? I know I am probably no where close as I only go up for Aprox 2 weekends a month to visit my fiancé in the US but I am thinking of taking a vacation week as we'll to visit him and I know it will add up quickly.

That's your responsibility to know, but if you don't have one already you sound like the perfect candidate to get a Nexus card. Best $50 you'll ever spend.

[vsnet 1]

It's a rolling year not a calendar year so no resetting on January 1.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Actually, as a US citizen you should be able to visit Canada for 180 days a year without a problem. That is a lot of weekends!

I suspect it is more the 'pattern' you are showing that is garnering interest. If you haven't already done so, put together a file folder that proves your 'ties' to the US: things like employment contracts, school enrollment records,rent or mortgage receipts, current utility bills, upcoming appointments in the US, voters registration card, driver's license (which you should have anyway), insurance documents - anything and everything that shows you have ongoing financial and personal commitments and ties to personal property and responsibilities in the US. If challenged, you can use these to reassure the border guard that you are not trying to live in Canada but only visiting.

Also, as Floridaboundcanuck wrote, get a nexus card. These are for frequent cross border travellers who have assured the appropriate border authorities that they are not immigration risks and provide for a much easier border crossing. All the same, it is useful to keep track of the time you are in Canada and your partner is in the US, if only by circling the dates in red on a calendar. That way, if you need to know them, it is an easy matter of counting them up.

Edited January 27, 2014 by Kathryn41

[JustBreathe 22]

one time when I crossed the border agent if I had ever been put on a "control of days". I had never heard of that? I told him no. I had never overstayed. I assumed thats what he meant?? any ideas?