Originally Posted by
gojirasan
I had this happen to me. When I entered Canada (Quebec) from the US the immigration agent asked me the purpose of my visit. I told him that I was just transiting to catch a flight at YUL (Trudeau). So he gave me a transit visa along with some kind of form that I was supposed to give to immigration at the airport before departing. Seemed easy enough to me so I didn't resist the idea. After, all I really was transiting. Why lie about it? Well, I had an early morning flight and the YUL immigration office was closed. There was no immigration at any point before my flight and of course there was no way for me to get an exit stamp. So as far as Canadian immigration is concerned I have overstayed my visa by about 10 years at this point. I've talked with Canadian immigration a few times to try to correct the issue, but the problem is I lack proof. For all I know I may never be able to enter Canada again. It's too bad because I like Canada better than the US.
I had a similar problem with Canada -- they are very lackadaisical about stamping your passport, but then when because of this is it appears you have overstayed, they come down on you like a ton of bricks. I had to do through all kinds of hassle a few years ago to prove I had left a few days after I arrived when I got no exit stamp and that I hadn't, in fact, overstayed by 18 months. Subsequently, I have insisted on entry and exit stamps every time I go in or out, but sometimes they act like it is SUCH a burden on them, yet when you don't have the stamp, it's all your fault if you didn't insist on it.
Canada immigration really is the worst -- who would want to stay in their crappy little country anyway?