I just called the Dominican Consulate in Toronto to ask what Canadians can do about getting extended visas for annual stays of up to 5 1/2 months. As Canadians we cannot stay out of the country longer than six months at a time or lose our Health Care at the six month point. With that, meaning that we cannot fulfill the Residence Visa requirements of continuous stay in the D.R., I was told that we would have to go to the airport once a month and buy new tourist cards for the next 30 day period and she said this can be done this way as we own property in the D.R. Does this sound right? I asked if we can buy an extended visa covering the entire amount of time prior to our departure? No. Can anyone clarify this please relative to this situation? Any and all input would be appreciated.