Extend Your Stay in Canada: Visitor Record
If you wish to stay in Canada longer than your initial authorized period as a visitor, you’ll need to apply for a visitor record. A visitor record is an essential document that enables you to extend your stay without violating immigration rules.
What Is a Visitor Record?
A visitor record is not a visa. Instead, it is an official document that:
- Authorizes you to remain in Canada longer as a visitor, a worker authorized to work without a permit, or a student authorized to study without a permit.
- Specifies a new expiry date, by which you must leave Canada.
When to Apply for a Visitor Record
You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires.
- Check your passport stamp or the written confirmation of your allowed stay duration issued when you entered Canada.
- If no specific date was provided, your status typically expires 6 months from your arrival date.
Who Can Apply for a Visitor Record?
You can apply for a visitor record if you:
- Entered Canada with a visitor visa, eTA, or another valid travel document, and now want to extend your authorized stay.
- Are currently in Canada as a visitor, worker, or student without a permit, and wish to extend your status.
How to Apply for a Visitor Record
The process for applying for a visitor record includes the following steps:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- A valid passport or travel document (ensure it’s valid for the entire duration of your extended stay).
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the extended stay.
- A clear explanation of why you wish to extend your stay in Canada.
- Submit Your Application Online:
- Complete the application form through the IRCC portal.
- Pay the application fee, starting at $100.
- Apply Early:
- Processing time is approximately 126 days, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your current status expiry.
- If your status expires while your application is in process, you will have implied status and can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made.
After You Apply
- Approval: If your application is approved, you’ll receive a visitor record specifying your new expiry date.
- Rejection: If your application is denied, you must leave Canada immediately.
- Implied Status: While waiting for a decision, you can remain in Canada legally if you applied before your status expired.
Traveling Outside Canada
A visitor record does not guarantee re-entry to Canada. If you leave Canada during your extended stay and plan to return, you will need:
- A valid visitor visa or eTA to re-enter Canada, and
- Your visitor record to prove your authorized stay extension.
Key Fees and Processing Times
- Fees: Starting from $100 for a visitor record application.
- Processing Time: Approximately 126 days (subject to variation).
Important Notes
- Ensure your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- A visitor record does not allow you to work or study in Canada. You’ll need a work or study permit for those activities.
- Exceeding your authorized stay without applying for an extension can result in legal penalties and may affect future travel to Canada.
Planning to extend your stay in Canada requires preparation and timely application submission. By adhering to the process, you can enjoy a longer stay while complying with Canadian immigration laws.